The City is asking for feedback from residents regarding the issue of secondary suites via a survey on its website. The City has drafted a new Land Use Bylaw (LUB), which will include regulations for where the City will allow secondary suites.
The draft LUB – which has yet to be presented to and approved by City council - proposes secondary suites be allowed in most communities, but would limit them to single detached dwellings. The property would also have to be large enough to accommodate both the additional unit and on-site parking for the tenants.
Shelley Sweet, executive director of Airdrie Housing Limited (AHL) – the organization which helps people find affordable housing in the city - said a representative of the City of Airdrie’s Planning Department is expected to make a presentation at the AHL’s next board meeting in April.
“At this time, the Airdrie Housing board does not have a defined statement on the current proposed Land Use Bylaw from the City. In general however, Airdrie Housing does support secondary suites as an integral part of the housing continuum,” she said.
According to Municipal Affairs, secondary suites are defined as “self-contained living units created within single-family homes. These suites include a kitchen, bathroom and a separate entrance, and provide Albertans with an affordable housing option.”
Municipal Affairs leaves the development of bylaws to allow secondary suites up to the individual municipalities. Airdrie’s new City Plan, approved by City council in September 2013, includes a chapter on how new developments might incorporate secondary suites during the early planning stages.
Proponents of secondary suites believe the housing option would alleviate some of the difficulties renters have finding suitable and affordable housing in Airdrie.
“Secondary suites do add to the housing quantity and provide another option for those searching for rental housing,” Sweet said. “Airdrie has typically had a low vacancy rate and any increase in housing stock will meet a need, particularly if they are located in areas close to transit, shopping, schools etc.
“In terms of affordable housing, they also need to have rents that will meet the budget needs of those on low or moderate incomes. If we are adding to the stock, but rents are still high, then they will still be out of reach for those most in need.”
Concerns about secondary suites often include inadequate parking, increased congestion on neighbourhood roads by increased numbers of residents and perceived impacts on property values.
The short survey only takes a few minutes to complete and includes questions about the benefits and concerns raised by allowing secondary suites. The survey on the City’s website at airdrie.ca remains open until April 4.
