Upcoming Municipal Initiatives

Across Metro Vancouver, cities are rethinking how people live, move, and connect. West Vancouver is one of them, with a shift toward more density, walkability, and convenience.

The 20-Year Housing Needs Assessment

After the province updated the Local Government Act in 2023, every municipality had to forecast its future housing needs. West Vancouver’s Interim Housing Needs Report from December 2024 found a 900-unit shortfall compared to future demand. So what does West Vancouver plan to do about it? The answer lies in their new Official Community Plan.

Refreshing the Official Community Plan (OCP)

As of December 1, 2025, West Vancouver adopted the last bylaw amendments to complete their new OCP. The refreshed plan highlights the creation of more housing types, especially townhomes and condos for young families and seniors. These homes should also have easy access to amenities, transit, and schools. The OCP also notes that West Vancouver needs more rental housing options as part of its mandates.

More Gentle Density

If you’ve lived anywhere in Metro Vancouver for the past 15 years, you’ve likely heard of high urban density (think condo towers) and low urban density (think single-detached homes with large lots). But what is “gentle density,” you ask? Gentle density is the mid-ground: adding more homes in subtle ways without changing neighbourhood character. Homes like duplexes, small multiplexes, townhomes, and coach houses would be considered “gentle density”.

West Vancouver’s OCP mentions these types of homes in its plan for more diverse housing options. Under BC’s Bill 44, updated zoning allows small-scale, multi-unit housing on many lots previously zoned for single-family homes. 

One of the great things about this? It’s a step towards filling a gap in West Vancouver’s housing mix. It’s perfect for those who need more space than a condo, but less space (and maintenance!) than a detached home. It can also be more affordable, with modern plans and locations that emphasize accessibility to everyday amenities. 

More Rental Entry Points

Gentle density opens up new possibilities for renters who want to live the West Vancouver lifestyle. Even now, new rental townhomes, especially purpose-built rentals, are available. And don’t be surprised if you also start to see more coach houses, basement suites, and duplexes in addition to townhouses for rent in West Vancouver.

What Renters Can Also Expect

With more residential options in West Vancouver’s urban centres, what does that look like for renters? It means more condo apartments for rent and townhomes for rent in communities like:

• Park Royal
• Ambleside
• Dundarave
• Marine Drive
• Horseshoe Bay
• Caulfield Village

The current and future uptick in homes will help attract a younger demographic to West Vancouver: the young professionals and families that make communities vibrant. Walkability to everyday amenities, proximity to work, and easy transit access are goals for new development.

So How Many Homes Are Coming? 

West Vancouver’s OCP outlines ambitious housing targets. Here’s what they aim to deliver:

• 300–400 infill (like coach houses, small homes, suites)
  
• 300–350 ground-oriented/mixed-use homes along transit corridors
  
• 500–750 homes in the Marine Drive Local Area Plan
  
• 1,000–1,200 homes in Ambleside’s town centre
  
• 500–600 homes in Taylor Way Corridor
  
• 200–300 homes in Horseshoe Bay

On top of these homes in established areas, new areas like Cypress Village and Rodgers Creek add even more to housing. This is great news for renters. We’re thinking more rental home diversity, whether you’re searching for long-term townhouse rentals in West Vancouver for more space, or 1-bedroom condo apartments with on-site amenities. 

What Does Each Neighbourhood Offer? 

Are you wondering which neighbourhood is the best place for a 1-bedroom apartment rental in West Vancouver? Or maybe a townhouse? Or which neighbourhood speaks to your lifestyle? Let’s talk about the existing hubs where residential development is happening.

1. Ambleside

Adding Diverse Housing To Landscape

One example of residential development in Ambleside is the recently rezoned Fulton Lands. This mixed-use project will include an eight-storey apartment building, plus townhomes that include affordable housing options like condo apartment rentals and below-market rentals.

Why Rent in Ambleside?

It’s safe to say that Ambleside is known across Metro Vancouver as a picturesque beach destination. And what family hasn’t unleashed their kids at the Ambleside playground and spraypark on a summer afternoon? For residents, including renters, it’s also a convenient place to live with perks like walkability, parks, schools, and shops all in one place. 

2. Park Royal 

A Key Transit and Commercial Hub

As an area anchored by Park Royal Mall and its bus hub, more residential development here makes sense.

Why Rent in Park Royal? 

Renting here is ideal for young professionals and downsizers. You have easy access to transit into Downtown Vancouver, stores for daily necessities, leisure shopping at Park Royal mall, and services along Marine Drive. As an early urban hub that has seen lots of growth in the past 15 years, the Park Royal neighbourhood always has rentals available, especially smaller homes like 1- and 2-bedroom rental apartments, with more on the way, according to OCP goals.

3. Dundarave 

Residential Growth Coming Soon

Dundarave is typically known as a neighbourhood of mostly single-family homes. But to fullfill the OCP’s goals, this lower-density area will need to diversify. The outcome for renters? Looking for townhomes or condo apartments for rent in Dundarave will get a lot easier in the coming years. 

Why Rent in Dundarave?

Evening walks along the Dundarave Waterfront and Pier. Stopping in at the local shops, cafés, and restaurants in the Village. Walking the kids to school. You can enjoy a quaint, seaside village ambience without the cost of ownership.

4. Future Neighbourhoods: Cypress Village & Beyond

West Vancouver’s Newest Communities

Like we mentioned earlier, the OCP has identified several newer areas proposed for expansion. Development has started in these neighbourhoods and will offer a mix of owned and rented townhomes and apartments:

• Cypress Village
• Cypress West
• Rodgers Creek
• Upper Lands

Located in the central north part of West Vancouver, plans here include residential pockets and master-planned communities to make life convenient. You’ll have what you need right within reach, sometimes just a few steps away. Renting in these new neighbourhoods is something to consider, especially if you’re an outdoor adventurer.

Why Rent in Cypress Village, Upper Lands, Etc.?

Simply put, the perks of new homes in new communities mean the necessities of modern life are built-in and support you well into the future. Contemporary design, community amenities, and proximity to nature are great reasons to look for West Vancouver apartments and townhomes for rent in these new communities when they come up.

Challenges To Rental Availability

As a Metro Vancouver property management company for the past 20 years, we’ve experienced the evolution of rental living in West Vancouver first-hand. By far, the past 10 years have been the most exciting for renters, with more rental apartments and townhouses available. And we’re excited for continuing growth.

However, more housing takes time and is not without some bumps along the way. You may notice some challenges as West Vancouver grows, such as: 

• Not Every Rental Policy Passes
  Some proposals, like rental-only zoning for older apartment buildings, don't get approved, so rental options don’t increase as expected.
  
• Development Has A Lot of Moving Parts That Can Change
  Zoning changes alone don’t build homes. Market conditions, developer interest, and community input all influence what gets built, where, and what rent or ownership costs will be.
  
• Community Concerns Can Still Influence Growth
  The overall responses during public engagement were in favour of increasing density and improving affordability. But there’s still some debate about retaining neighbourhood character, an issue which could affect the pace of new housing.

Pro Tip: Rent Where There’s A Property Manager 

There’s nothing wrong with renting from a landlord who’s also the property manager. But whether you’re searching for rental apartments in Dundarave, rental townhouses in Howe Sound, or a basement suite in Sentinel Hill, there are major perks to having a professional property manager like VADA, such as:

Depth of Expertise:

With 20 years of experience as a Metro Vancouver property management company, VADA (formerly ADVENT) has proven, industry-leading protocols trusted by the 25,000+ tenants we’ve placed / managed.

Reliable, Responsive Support:

VADA tenants get 24/7 service, management that complies with local rental regulations, and friendly, licensed professionals who care.

Check Out West Vancouver Rental Listings at VADA

Want to see what the West Vancouver rental landscape looks like now? Check out our rented homes is West Vancouver. 

Or go to our current properties for rent in West Vancouver to see what’s immediately available. And don’t worry, if nothing’s currently available that suits your lifestyle, check back soon. New listings come up often!

Author: Neil McGuinness
Date Published: 01/13/2026 - 10:35
Date Modified: 02/23/2026 - 14:18