Secondary suites bylaw approved for those who live in Regional District of Nanaimo

Chair Joe Stanhope says the new bylaw will "improve housing affordability for both renters and homeowners."

  • Jun. 5, 2014 8:00 p.m.

The Regional District of Nanaimo’s secondary suite program finally got the green light.

The new program will see secondary suites allowed in Nanoose Bay, Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, French Creek, Deep Bay and Bowser.

RDN chair Joe Stanhope said this will “improve housing affordability for both renters and homeowners.”

Stanhope added electoral area residents have shown “strong community support” for what he called a “landmark program.”

According to a news release issued by the RDN a secondary suite can be located within a dwelling unit (like a basement suite) or detached as either a standalone building (like a garden suite or granny flat) or as part of an accessory building (like a heritage home).

Parksville and Qualicum Beach already allow secondary suites.

For more information about the new Secondary Suites Program, please visit www.rdnsecondarysuites.ca. To learn whether or not a secondary suite is permitted on your property, please e-mail planning@rdn.bc.ca or call 250-390-6510 or 250-954-3798 for assistance.

— NEWS Staff/Submitted by the RDN

Parksville Qualicum Beach News