Housing diversity in single-family neighbourhoods

We are working to maintain a healthy, inclusive, and vibrant community by providing more housing options for everyone.

This includes adding more diverse housing choices in single-family neighbourhoods that fit the needs of residents of all ages, incomes, abilities and household sizes.  

To help us achieve this goal, we are exploring more options for:  

  • secondary suites
  • short-term rentals 
  • infill housing 

Comments or questions?

Contact us to learn more about these options for single-family neighbourhoods at CommunityPlanning@dnv.org

    News and updates

    Previously

    December 4, 2023 - Council meeting (Adoption)

    Proposed bylaw amendments related to secondary suite regulations and the coach house program were adopted by Council.

    Read the staff reports to Council in the ‘Key documents’ tab

    November 6, 2023 – Council meeting (Second and third readings)

    Proposed bylaw amendments related to secondary suite regulations were given second and third reading.  

    Read the staff reports to Council in the ‘Key documents’ tab

    October 16, 2023 – Council meeting (Second and third readings)

    Proposed bylaw amendments related to secondary suite regulations and coach house program were presented to Council. The coach house regulations were given second and third reading. The secondary suites regulations were sent back to staff for clarification.

    Read the staff reports to Council in the ‘Key documents’ tab

    September 26, 2023 – Public hearing

    A public hearing was held for three proposed zoning bylaw amendments to increase the maximum size of a secondary suite (Bylaw 8525, amended at first reading), permit a secondary suite on a lot where a coach house is permitted (Bylaw 8615), and increase the maximum permitted height of a coach house (Bylaw 8635).

    The proposed bylaws will be brought back to Council at the October 16, 2023 regular Council meeting.

    Read the public hearing documents and staff presentation in the ‘Key documents’ tab.

    July 24, 2023 – Council meeting (First reading)

    Staff presented proposed changes to Council to permit a secondary suite on a lot where a coach house is permitted, increase the maximum permitted height of a coach house, and delegate specific minor variance decisions related to coach houses to staff.

    Read the staff report to Council and proposed bylaw amendments in the ‘Key documents’ tab.

    June 5, 2023 – Council meeting (First reading)

    We presented proposed changes to the District’s secondary suite regulations to Council. The proposed changes would support larger and more liveable secondary suites in single family neighbourhoods.

    Read the staff report to Council and proposed zoning bylaw amendments in the ‘Key documents’ tab.

    February 13, April 17, and May 8, 2023 – Council workshops 

    We created an engagement summary which includes details of the engagement activities that took place between May and June 2022 and the engagement results. Your feedback was compiled and analysed to inform the next steps on secondary suites, short-term rentals, and infill housing.

    We presented the public engagement results to Council and over three Council workshops and received direction on the next steps.

    Read the staff reports to Council and a summary of what we heard in the ‘Key documents’ tab.

    June 9 and 14, 2022 – Virtual open houses

    We hosted three separate virtual open houses for those unable to attend the June 8, 2022 in-person open house. Topics discussed included short term rentals, secondary suites, and infill housing.

    View the presentations from the open houses in the 'Key documents' tab.

    June 8, 2022 – In-person open house

    We hosted an in-person open house for members of the public to learn about options for increasing housing diversity in single-family neighbourhoods, share ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback.

    View the display boards in the 'Key documents' tab.

    May 30 - June 19, 2022 – Online survey

    We asked for your input and feedback on single-family housing options. We’ll use your feedback, along with research and analysis, to help shape the potential future of single-family neighbourhoods. 

    May 9, 2022 – Council meeting

    A proposed community engagement plan related to secondary suites, infill housing, and short-term rentals was presented to Council. Council directed staff to proceed with the public engagement and report back with findings and recommendations.

    Read the staff report to Council in the ‘Key documents’ tab.

    April 11, 2022 – Council workshop

    Staff presented a report to Council identifying options that could lead to increased housing diversity in single-family neighbourhoods.  Council directed staff to seek public input on secondary suites, infill housing, and short-term rentals.

    Read the staff report to Council in the ‘Key documents’ tab.

    Details

    Single-family neighbourhoods have been slowly evolving to accommodate changing housing needs, and we are considering how to create more options for secondary suites, infill housing, and short-term rentals. 

    Secondary suites

    Secondary suites are a critical component of our rental housing stock. Therefore, we are looking into changes to our secondary suite regulations to create new suites that benefit a larger group of residents and exploring incentives to promote more of this form of rental housing.

    Learn how to register or build a secondary suite

    Infill housing

    Infill housing, such as coach houses, small lots, duplexes, triplexes, and multiplexes, can generally be described as housing that fits within an existing neighbourhood without significantly altering its character or appearance. 

    It can lead to an increase in rental and homeownership options, and make more efficient use of existing municipal infrastructure while maintaining the scale and character of lower-density single-family areas.

    We are looking into what infill housing options we should expand upon and what new possibilities we should explore. We are also considering where these options may be appropriate in the District.

    Short-term rentals

    Short-term rental refers to renting a residential dwelling unit usually facilitated by online booking sites (e.g. Airbnb) for a short period. They are currently not permitted in the District.

    However, regulating short-term rentals is vital to ensure safe operation, manage potential nuisances, and maintain long-term rental stock.

    Council previously endorsed creating a regulatory approach to more effectively manage short-term rentals. To develop a regulatory framework that reflects the community's priorities, we are looking into where the District should permit short-term rentals.

    News and updates on short-term rental accommodations

    Key documents

    Council documents

    December 4, 2023 Council meeting

    November 6, 2023 Council meeting

    October 16, 2023 Council meeting

    September 26, 2023 Public hearing

    July 24, 2023 Council meeting

    June 5, 2023 Council meeting

    February 13, April 17, and May 8, 2023 Council workshops

    May 9, 2022 Council meeting

    April 11, 2022 Council workshop

    Public engagement materials

    June 8 in-person open house

    June 9 and 14 virtual open houses

    District plans and initiatives

    Increasing the diversity of housing options across the District has been identified in numerous District plans and initiatives, including:

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