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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.