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VICTORIA — B.C. municipalities could soon get the power to zone properties for rental-only developments under provincial legislation introduced Tuesday.

Currently, municipalities are unable to make such a designation.

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Housing Minister Selina Robinson said the changes would give local governments the ability to preserve and increase the overall rental supply using local discretion.

“Local governments are on the front lines of the housing crisis and they need solutions that work for them,” she said. “This will prevent rental buildings from being torn down for luxury condos that only a very small number of people can afford.”

The legislation would also empower municipalities to ensure existing rental properties cannot be redeveloped for another use, such as high-priced condos. A local council could designate an entire new building for rental only. Or it could deem just a portion of a new development be required for rental, leaving the remaining mixture of units for sale.