The City of Burnaby’s Housing Choices Program is in full swing with the city asking people to take part in an online survey about such things as laneway houses.
The issues has prompted flurry of letters to the editor ranging from people who think it’s a fabulous idea to others threatening to sell and move if one is approved in their neighbourhood.
That seems an extreme view, but there are people who don’t think these types of homes will fit into a single-family neighbourhood. I don’t agree, but I’m sharing some of the reaction to show what an uphill climb cities face when trying to implement changes in regards to housing.
The city has put together a bunch of literature on the subject and one photo of a two-storey laneway house really ticked off some folks.
“These two-level things are monstrosities,” said Tyler Phillips. “Imagine having something that big suddenly get built next to your backyard. I thought laneway houses were going to be small and blend in better. This is ridiculous.”
According to the city, laneway homes are smaller homes built in the backyard of a main house, facing the lane. Laneway homes can provide additional space for families, or serve as a new source of rental housing — while also providing income for the homeowner.
This is what the program is all about - introducing new housing options into the city, which “bridge the gap between single-family homes and apartments or condos.” The plan also includes secondary suites in semi-detached homes.
“As part of this process we will also be exploring additional housing choices for Burnaby’s single and two family neighbourhoods,” said the city. “These include permitting single-family homes to have two suites, and fourplexes on two-family properties.”
You can click here to go to the city’s webpage and find the survey is you want to comment.
There are a lot of loud voices who fear what these new housing options will mean for single-family neighbourhoods, but if we’re going to add to the affordable housing stock, things have to change.
But not everyone agrees.
“I have been working for a neighbouring municipality for 15 years,” wrote Fan Jin in a recently letter to the city. “Laneway houses were introduced there five years ago. With only about less than 2% of allowed laneway houses being built, the negative impacts to livable single-family neighbourhoods have already started to emerge. As a matter of fact, many newly built single-family houses in Burnaby have two rental units. If all allowed laneway houses are built, it is certain that Burnaby’s livable single-family neighbourhoods will be ruined as a result.”
That is some hyperbole, but this is what the city faces as we head into civic elections in October.
Hopefully, our local politicians will stay strong on this issue.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
