Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book: Langley City, Social Housing, and Families

The Metro Vancouver Regional District collects a large number of statistics on housing in our region and presents them in their “Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book.” The regional district recently updated the statistics in the data book, including the latest census and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation data. Regional district staff presented some highlights at the most recent Regional Planning Committee Meeting.

The first table shows where there has been an increase in the population of children. While it isn’t surprising to see the Township of Langley, Surrey, and Maple Ridge with large increases, Langley City, New Westminster, and the City of North Vancouver have also seen a large increase in children. There seems to be a demand for more affordable walkable and transit-accessible communities for people with young families.

Change in children by Metro Vancouver jurisdictions between 2016 and 2021. Select the table to enlarge.

The following map shows the percentage of new construction over the five years that is purpose-built rental units. In the South of Fraser, Langley City is the leader in the percentage of rental new construction.

The growth or decline in the primary rental market as a percentage of net new dwellings between 2016 and 2021 (net new purpose-built market rental apartments and townhouses.) Select the map to enlarge.

The next map shows the percentage of social housing units compared to total housing units by municipality. Social housing units are funded by BC Housing and include rent-geared-to-income and deeply subsidized housing for lower-income people. One of the largest social housing complexes in Metro Vancouver is the Langley Lions Housing apartments in Downtown Langley. Langley City has the second-largest percentage of social housing in Metro Vancouver.

Total social housing units as a percentage of total housing units in 2022. Select the map to enlarge.

For more statistics, please check out the latest edition of the “Metro Vancouver Housing Data Book.”