VanPlex Plexperts · BC Multiplex Allies
Urban Development Institute Pacific Region (UDI)
Featured on VanPlex Plexperts — the curated directory of organizations advancing missing-middle housing in BC.
UDI works to keep information flowing between the development industry, government, and the public, and to push for housing and approval policy that lets more homes get built across British Columbia.
About UDI
The Urban Development Institute (UDI) Pacific Region is the British Columbia arm of UDI. It was formed in 1972 by a group of Vancouver developers led by Victor Lewis, starting with 22 member companies.
Membership has grown to nearly 1,000 corporate members. They include developers, builders, property managers, lenders, lawyers, engineers, planners, architects, appraisers, real estate professionals, local governments, and government agencies.
UDI runs out of a head office at 650-1050 West Pender Street in downtown Vancouver, with additional offices in Victoria (Capital Region) and Kelowna (Okanagan). It hosts education programs, a research program, advocacy work, and member events, and meets regularly with municipal and provincial government on housing policy.
Programs
What UDI runs.
Real Estate and Development (RaD) Management Program
A nine-course online series covering how real estate projects get developed in BC, from land acquisition through approvals and construction.
Learn moreFortisBC School of Development
Professional development sessions for people working in the development industry.
Learn moreAwards for Excellence
UDI Pacific Region program recognizing development projects and industry work across BC.
Learn moreUnder Forty (U40) and Women of UDI
Specialized member groups that run their own networking, tours, and events.
Learn moreRecent initiatives
Position on Bill 44 (small-scale multi-unit housing)
UDI backed Bill 44, which requires BC municipalities to allow 3 to 4 units on most single-family lots (up to 6 near frequent transit) and to zone for 20 years of projected housing need. UDI said the bill gives developers more certainty by setting zoning up front and removing public hearings on compliant residential projects, but flagged that a lot depends on what municipalities actually approve. UDI quote: "We see a lot of promise in these new policies, as long as they are executed well."
Read morePosition on Bill 46 (development cost charges and amenity cost charges)
UDI supported the new Amenity Cost Charge, which moves amenity costs into the upfront planning stage instead of being negotiated during rezoning. UDI raised concerns that undetermined municipal ACC rates and the overlap with existing community amenity contributions could affect whether projects pencil out. UDI quote: "project viability will be necessary to get more homes built."
Read morePosition on Bill 47 (transit-oriented development)
UDI supported the transit-oriented development rules that remove parking minimums and limit rejecting projects near transit on height or density alone. Its main caution was that other municipal policies, like design guidelines and shadowing rules, could still hold back the density the legislation intends.
Read moreTracking provincial housing legislation rollout
UDI publishes ongoing advocacy updates as municipalities work to meet the Bill 44/46/47 deadlines, including new provincial guidance documents and zoning bylaw timelines under Bill 16.
Read moreHow to get involved
Concrete ways to support UDI.
- →Read UDI advocacy updates at udi.org/advocacy/updates to track how municipalities are rolling out Bill 44 multiplex zoning and development cost charge changes.
- →Join as a corporate member to get policy briefings, government engagement, education programs, and event access.
- →Reach the Vancouver head office at 604-669-9585 (650-1050 West Pender Street) for membership or policy questions.
Other allies
Abundant Housing Vancouver
Volunteer-run YIMBY group, formed in 2016, that writes letters, runs missing-middle tours, and shows up at City Hall to back more housing across Metro Vancouver.
Architectural Institute of British Columbia
The regulator of the architecture profession in BC. Public register, Certified Professional Program, and discipline authority.
Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN)
Industry association for Metro Vancouver residential builders, renovators, and designers. Runs the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence.
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