Encyclopedia
Employment lands
Land set aside for industrial and job-creating uses in regional and city plans.
For example: A business looking for industrial space learns why so little new land is being zoned for it in the region. (Illustration only, not a real deal.)
Official source: Metro 2050 (Metro Vancouver)
Example only, not a real client. Say you own industrial land in a region that protects employment lands. Rezoning it to residential may be difficult. You plan your investment around industrial use and demand.
What I’d tell a friend
Check regional and local plans before assuming industrial land can be converted.
Why it matters to you
Land protected for jobs can be hard to rezone for housing. That limits redevelopment value but can help keep industrial rents stable.
How to use it in your deal
Buyers should check regional and municipal land use designations before assuming a site can change use; converting industrial land to residential is often restricted. Some plans allow more intensive employment uses, like multi-storey industrial or mixed employment, which can add value. Owners should understand the policies before planning redevelopment.
Tenants benefit from protection, since it keeps space available for businesses. Check whether new uses like offices, retail or residential above industrial are allowed under local rules. Talk to planning staff early, since policies change during plan updates.
The scarcity of industrial land in the Lower Mainland is one reason rents and values have been high, and it's why many municipalities treat any conversion request with caution. If you're buying industrial land for future housing, price it as industrial unless you have a clear policy path.
Mistakes I see
Assuming rezoning to residential. Ignoring regional designations. Missing intensification options.
In BC and Vancouver
Metro 2050 and municipal OCPs under the Local Government Act set land use policy.
Official sources: Metro 2050 (Metro Vancouver) · Local Government Act (BC Laws)
What it means
Employment lands are areas planned for industrial and business uses that provide jobs.
Regional and local plans in Metro Vancouver aim to protect industrial land from conversion.
Why it matters
Protection supports industrial demand and values, but limits conversion options.
Check the regional plan and municipal policies for your site, and ask the city about any planned changes.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What's the regional designation?
- What does the Official Community Plan (OCP) allow?
- Is intensification allowed?
- Are conversions possible?
Keep reading
Related terms: Metro 2050, Industrial strata, Zoning bylaw
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General information for British Columbia only. It isn’t legal, tax, accounting or financial advice, laws and rates change, and reading it doesn’t make you my client. Any numbers or scenarios are hypothetical. Check the linked official source and talk to a lawyer, accountant or other qualified professional before you act or sign anything. See the terms and disclaimer.