The first secondary suites session focussed on contributing to the community in a sustainable way.
Consultants from CitySpaces Consulting Ltd. were on hand to explain the ins and outs of secondary suites and answer questions.
Noha Sedky, one of the consultants, gave a slideshow presentation on how secondary suites help create a sustainable neighbourhood.
“It helps to create diversity, helps seniors stay in their homes and age in place,” she listed. “It also creates cultural vitality.”
Sedky explained by having additional density —like the kind a community gets with secondary suites — it helps support culture.
“It might seem like a bit of a stretch, but it’s important and often gets missed,” she said.
One of the most important issues surrounding secondary suites is safety.
“One of the biggest drivers for municipalities is the question of safety and the safety risks of the suites,” she said. “By not having bylaws and not having regulations, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist in the communities.”
She said by regulating the suites, municipalities are making sure safety standard are being met.
The presentation also touched on the benefits to the environment and to land use.
“Secondary suites can achieve a more efficient use of land and infrastructure,” she said.
Also, the increased density of living helps promote transit.
“Rather than build out and out and out, people will live closer together,” she said, adding it also supports local businesses.
Coun. Bruce Whittington said he was concerned about the environmental impact the suites could have in suburban areas far away from the downtown core.
“When you allow suites, how do you prepare for the fact that you may be putting more people in cars?” he asked.
Another resident said if the town increases population with secondary suites there will be a greater need for services, such as more doctors and nurses.
Sedky said the population growth seen with secondary suites is pretty modest.
“There’s more value to have a secondary suite than not,” she said.
The secondary suites consultation series began Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at Ecole Davis Road School.
The next session, Secondary Suites as an Affordable Housing Option, will be held Wednesday, April 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Frank Jameson Community Centre Program Room.
The final forum, Secondary Suites, Different Shapes and Sizes, is April 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Aggie Hall.
For more information call the town’s development services department at 250-245-6405.
