KEY among the initiatives to speed up the housing approvals process by the City of Vancouver is the introduction of eComply, according to an update that Vancouver City Council received on Tuesday from city staff.

eComply is an innovative visualization tool that allows prospective applicants to upload building plans, check against regulations, and receive comprehensive compliance reports.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said: “The introduction of eComply is a game-changer in getting more housing built faster. Vancouver is increasingly being recognized as a global leader in the technology and innovation space – using a tool like this to speed up housing delivery just makes sense.”

eComply is being developed by technology firm Archistar and will be the first program of its kind in Canada.

“Vancouver is truly leading the way in embracing innovative technology in this critical stage of frontier tech’s innovation life cycle ” said Kassandra Linklater, Co-founder and COO of Frontier Collective. “Embracing technology has the potential to make Vancouver one of the most efficient and effectively run cities in the world – we’re so excited to see these major developments happening here.”

Additionally, Vancouver City Council approved a motion from Sim, seconded by Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung, to formally adopt the ‘3-3-3-1′ campaign commitment as official city policy. ‘3-3-3-1’ targets permit approval timelines of three days for renovations, three weeks for single family homes, three months for low and midrise projects, and one year for major projects.

“Vancouver is serious about building more housing, faster,” said Kirby-Yung. “By formally adopting 3-3-3-1, we are sending a clear signal that the goal of our city’s permitting department is the delivery of more housing.”

The first components of eComply are set to come on line in early 2024.