The B.C. government has introduced new legislation designed to create more multi-family rental housing development near public transit.

If passed, the law will build on work underway to facilitate more transit-oriented development, create more livable communities and tackle the housing crisis, said the government in a news release.

“Building more homes near transit is good for people, communities, and helps make the most of transit, infrastructure and services,” said Ravi Kahlon, the housing minister, in the release. “But layers of regulations and outdated rules are stopping this kind of development from becoming a reality in too many municipalities.”

The proposed legislation requires municipal governments to designate transit-oriented developments near rapid-transit stations and bus exchanges. Municipal governments would be obligated to permit housing developments based on provincial density and building-height standards.

The proposed provincial legislation comes as Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim seeks more TODs as part of the city’s new housing strategy.