Delta explores new non-market housing as demand surges. Thousands of affordable units are needed across Metro Vancouver in the next five years.
A Housing Crunch That Can’t Be Ignored
Right now, the pressure is building—and fast. Across Metro Vancouver, affordable housing demand keeps rising. In fact, a recent regional study shows a staggering need for 29,250 to 54,500 affordable rental homes for low- to moderate-income households within just five years.
So, where does Delta fit into this growing crisis? And more importantly, can the city step up its game on non-market housing?
A Regional Plan Takes Shape
To begin with, Metro Vancouver has rolled out an ambitious long-term strategy. The plan aims to deliver thousands of new non-market rental homes over the next decade.
This matters because non-market housing—units priced below typical market rates—offers stability for people who might otherwise struggle to find a place to live.
Since 2019, progress has already been made. Around 2,000 units have either been built or are currently underway. Still, the gap remains wide, and demand continues to outpace supply.
Ladner Projects Show Real Progress
Meanwhile, Delta is not standing still. In Ladner, several key projects are already moving forward.
Evergreen Lane Expansion
First, the Evergreen Lane development is entering its next phase. The updated plan now includes:
A six-storey building
138 apartment units
A mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes
Originally, the second phase was smaller. However, as housing needs shifted and new funding became available, the project expanded. Now, all units will be offered at affordable rental rates.
Even better, financial support and ongoing subsidies will help keep those rents stable over time.
Ladner Willows Redevelopment
At the same time, another major project is rising from the ground up. The old Ladner Willows complex has been cleared to make way for a new five-storey building with 146 units.
This project introduces a balanced approach to affordability:
50% rent-geared-to-income units
30% affordable market rentals
20% deeply subsidized homes
Previously, the site held just 40 units. Clearly, this redevelopment will significantly boost supply.
Policy Gaps Still Exist
Even with these developments, challenges remain. Notably, Delta does not yet have “as-of-right” zoning for non-market housing.
In simple terms, that means developers cannot automatically build affordable housing without going through additional approvals.
However, the city is exploring alternatives. Inclusionary zoning—where developers must include affordable units in new projects—could become part of the solution. Still, officials stress that any policy must reflect Delta’s unique needs.
Can City-Owned Land Unlock Solutions?
Looking ahead, one promising idea stands out: using public land for housing.
Last year, Delta launched a study to identify city-owned and institutional properties that could support future housing projects. This effort ties into federal funding aimed at speeding up development and boosting supply.
If successful, this strategy could open the door to faster, more cost-effective housing construction. Yet, the city has not confirmed whether these lands will specifically target non-market housing.
The Road Ahead for Delta
Clearly, Delta has momentum—but also tough decisions ahead.
On one hand, new developments in Ladner show what is possible when funding, policy, and need align. On the other hand, broader zoning reforms and land-use strategies are still works in progress.
As demand continues to climb, the question remains:
Will Delta move quickly enough to meet the moment?
