In January 2023, Victoria council passed a missing middle housing initiative to create much-needed affordable housing.

This initiative permits up to six units on lots previously zoned single-family by amending these regulations, bylaws, the official community plan, land use procedures, design guidelines, and more.

• Missing Middle zoning regulations (Bylaw No. 22-045)
• Official Community Plan Amendment (Bylaw No. 22-044)
• Land Use Procedures Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw No. 22-057)
• Affordable Housing Standards Bylaw (Bylaw No. 22-056)
• Missing Middle Design Guidelines (2023) (opens 23-page pdf)
• Tenant Assistance Policy (July 2022)

So far, few units have been built, according to reports. Reasons include worker shortage and supply chain issues.

Read the Missing Middle Housing Initiative at a glance (opens 3-page pdf).

On June 1, 2023 council passed a motion directing staff to identify city policies that stop the building of new multi-family homes rather than single-family homes. Staff findings will be presented to council in September 2023.

Victoria concedes missing middle housing:

• can be expensive to build and is not expected to create new affordable housing for low to median income households; and
• will be cheaper than single-family homes, providing potential opportunities for new households to enter the real estate market or for downsizing and aging in place for existing residents, according to this report.

To achieve the full allowable density, missing middle housing will be required to contribute to the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund, create below market homeownership units, or provide other affordable housing or public benefits.

If you have questions about missing middle housing, please contact Harriet Permut, director of government relations at hpermut@rebgv.org.