On September 9, a group of Burnaby residents gathered at City Hall to voice their concerns about the city’s new height-based zoning policy. The meeting was part of the city’s planning and development committee, where residents asked leaders to halt the policy.
Speaking on behalf of the group was former provincial MLA Kathy Corrigan, who has lived in Burnaby with her husband for over 50 years. Corrigan told officials that the new zoning rules had gone too far, creating a negative impact on local communities while shutting out public voices.
She argued that the city had approved a bylaw that added more height, more units, and less green space than required by provincial law. Corrigan noted that the policy went further than what other municipalities had done to comply with recent housing legislation.
Another major concern raised by Corrigan was the city’s decision to drop mandatory public hearings for zoning-related changes. Burnaby City Council has declined to comment on that decision, as the matter is currently being reviewed in court.
The debate comes in the wake of two housing bills passed by the provincial government in late 2023. Bill 44, the Housing Statutes Residential Development Amendment Act, and Bill 47, the Housing Statutes Transit Oriented Areas Amendment Act, were introduced to speed up housing development across British Columbia. These laws required municipalities with more than 5,000 residents to revise zoning and density rules to fit provincial targets.
While the legislation set minimum standards, the way each city chose to apply the rules was left up to local councils. Burnaby’s leadership decided in July 2025 to move forward with a height-based zoning system.
Mayor Mike Hurley defended the shift, stating that the new framework is designed to make the process of approving developments faster and easier. He explained that the policy gives clarity to residents and builders about how neighborhoods can grow while helping the city deliver more homes.
The decision reflects Burnaby’s position as one of the fastest-growing cities in Metro Vancouver. With the SkyTrain connecting Burnaby to downtown Vancouver and other major hubs, demand for housing and commercial space has soared. Developers see the city as a prime location for new projects, and officials are under pressure to keep up with the rising need for homes.
The policy has not gone unnoticed by the real estate industry. In 2024, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association recognized Burnaby with its Most Improved Approval Timing award, praising the city for speeding up housing approvals. Supporters argue that the height-based system cuts red tape and allows builders to bring projects to market faster, which is vital in a housing crisis.
Still, many residents remain worried about the consequences. Concerns include the loss of green spaces, increased building density, and the removal of opportunities for public input. Long-time locals like Corrigan argue that growth should not come at the cost of community character and livability.
The development at 4567 Lougheed Highway has become a flashpoint in the debate. It was one of the projects discussed during the September 8 committee meeting, highlighting the tensions between residents and city officials over how Burnaby should grow.
As one of B.C.’s major urban centers, Burnaby faces the challenge of balancing rapid growth with community needs. The clash between residents seeking a say in shaping their neighborhoods and officials aiming to speed up housing approvals shows how complex urban planning has become.
For now, the future of Burnaby’s zoning approach remains uncertain. The outcome of the ongoing court case over public hearings and the city’s response to resident concerns will shape how the Burnaby zoning policy moves forward.
