The B.C. government has ordered the District of West Vancouver to implement its Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan after the municipality fell well short of its year-one housing target.

According to a B.C. housing ministry news release, West Van delivered just 58 of 220 targeted net-new housing units and missed a Dec. 31, 2025, deadline to complete three provincial housing directives, prompting the intervention. The order, which took effect in early April, amends the district’s bylaw to allow the Ambleside plan to proceed, enabling additional housing alongside new shops, public spaces and infrastructure.

“Our children, grandchildren and seniors who grew up in and helped build this community should be able to find a home in the place they know and love,” said Christine Boyle, the minister of housing and municipal affairs. “That is why we are taking action to help give people living in West Vancouver more homes and housing options. Municipalities are key partners in tackling the housing crisis, and we’ve been encouraged by the work of many municipal councils. In some communities, there is still work to do.”

The province had previously appointed an advisor to identify barriers to development and issued three directives to the district. None were completed by the deadline, limiting development in the Ambleside and Park Royal–Taylor Way areas, the housing ministry said.

By ordering the Ambleside plan forward, the province has brought the district into compliance with one directive. For the remaining two—focused on increasing density at Park Royal and expanding apartment development areas—the district must now submit progress reports every three months through 2026 and 2027.

The Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan, developed with community input and technical analysis, outlines building forms, heights and public-realm improvements while supporting increased housing density and transportation options.

The province said the order ensures that the plan proceeds without further delay, as part of broader efforts under the Housing Supply Act to accelerate homebuilding in municipalities facing urgent housing needs.

Pictured: West Vancouver

Photo: District of West Vancouver