Municipal politicians have a responsibility to make their communities affordable for potential buyers, at least that’s what Langford Mayor Stew Young believes.
“You don’t want to be keeping people out of the market … that hurts the economy,” Young said. “If they’re not buying houses then we (as politicians) have to get creative.”
One of the main hurdles affordability faces is the supply of new homes and rental accommodation. “That’s really the problem, there’s not enough supply,” Young said, noting 2016’s decrease in inventory levels that has carried into 2017.
While a large portion of Langford residents already own their homes, Young said council is always trying to attract new residents to the area.
He credits the City’s political continuity for allowing the implementation of long-term strategies that have transformed the community over the past 25 years or so. “Langford has been very successful because we’ve had some long-term councillors,” he said, adding they have always been on the lookout for ways to make accommodation more affordable.
Young noted that 20 years ago council legalized secondary suites as a way to provide more rental options and income help for those that need it. By doing that, council has enabled the fire department to work with homeowners to make sure the proper safety protections are in place, especially in older units.
At one point, Young said, Langford firefighters even went into secondary suites to install smoke detectors. “New houses are (also) getting proper suites that are safe and done to code,” he added.
But the City hasn’t just stopped at secondary suites and could be looking to revamp some of those related bylaws.
While many of the region’s residents may associate Langford with newer developments with smaller lots and higher density, the mayor said there are still a number of larger lots on which there is only one single-family home.
City staff and council have been brainstorming ideas to help increase housing inventory levels, and the idea of allowing two suites in a home has been floated.
“It might be helpful … (But) it’s not for everyone,” Young warned, cautioning the second-suite idea would only be permitted on larger lots and would potentially only allow for a one-bedroom unit.
The idea is that this third living area – complete with a kitchen – could be used for young adults trying to save up for a down payment on a home, or for older family members who may not want to be on their own, but still want to enjoy some independence.
With more young adults living at home longer, such units could help get them out on their own. “That may help the crunch that we have,” Young said, referring to the region’s rental inventory.
While council hasn’t passed legislation that will allow for these new suites, it’s something that’s not far from Young’s mind.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com
GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE » MONTH TO DATE MARCH 20/17 COURTESY VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD
» 532 / 1,121 — NET UNCONDITIONAL SALES / TOTAL, MARCH 2016
» 740 / 1,445 — NEW LISTINGS / TOTAL, MARCH 2016
» 1,604 / 2,618 — ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS / TOTAL, MARCH 2016
