Could single-family lots soon hold as many as 6 homes? Vancouver real estate pitch gets tentative nod
A proposal that could see as many as six homes packed into what are currently single-family lots in Vancouver is moving forward after a tentative nod from city council this week.
Council voted in favour Wednesday night of asking city staff to look into a pitch from the mayor to rezone some properties.
According to the mayor's motion, titled "Making Home," up to 2,000 lots could be rezoned from single-detached and duplex to something larger.
Kennedy Stewart suggested rezoning to allow for up to six units, writing in the motion that the intent is to create affordable housing supply.
He wrote that the city is one of the least affordable in the world, "with many residents struggling to rent or purchase homes and adequate accommodation being especially difficult for households with an annual income under $80,000."
The mayor referenced the "missing middle," a term used often in proposals aimed at increasing the housing supply. In this case, it's being used to represent a lack of options for households earning between $80,000 and $120,000.
"Making Home," too, is not a new idea. The motion first came from Coun. Lisa Dominato, and a version amended by the mayor was before council in September 2020.
At that time, what was proposed was up to four market units, two mandatory middle-income units and the option of rental units on a standard lot.
The goal of the pilot project was to start with 100 homes.
Stewart then re-announced the affordable housing plan last October, saying it could lead to the creation of 10,000 new, relatively affordable homes.
The motion approved by council this week asks staff to develop policies or guidelines for what the plan would look like in practice.
Staff members are asked to consider that rezoning to allow for this style of housing would likely need to include modest height increases, lower floor units built below grade, cost expectations and ways to limit potential speculative purchases.
They've been asked to also look at whether development cost levies would be needed for updated water, sewer, transportation and child-care services. Would this housing be affordable for those bringing home less than $80,000? Would upgrades be needed for roads, sidewalks and parks to accommodate a more dense housing situation?
In a news release, the mayor's office said the vote was "paving the way for new homeownership options," and called the assignment to staff a "framework to implement these changes."
It's unclear when this report will be back before council, and 2022 is an election year for B.C. municipalities.
Stewart has announced his intention to run for the city's top job again.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.