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
February 13, 2023 – Council workshop
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 will be presenting the public engagement results to Council and seeking direction on the next steps.
Read the staff report 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.
Key documents
Council documents
February 13, 2023 Council workshop
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: