A density bonus is a planning tool that allows developers to build larger or taller than normally permitted in exchange for providing community benefits. The concept recognizes that increased density creates additional value—more units can be sold or rented—and shares that value with the public. Benefits secured through density bonuses can include affordable housing units, public parkland, community facilities, heritage preservation, public art, or cash contributions. For example, a developer might receive permission for 20 storeys instead of 15 in exchange for making 10% of units affordable housing. Density bonus policies require careful design to ensure benefits are proportional to additional value granted, and that resulting development remains appropriate for the neighbourhood. Not all provinces enable this tool, and implementation varies significantly.