Tomorrow evening at public planning, Council will once again be considering possible changes to zoning bylaws so that we can better protect our stable neighbourhoods. The issue of appropriate infill housing developments has seen a considerable amount of discussion and debate over the past few years. In fact, it is an issue that has been discussed by Councils for over a decade!
An infill housing bylaw was first discussed in late 2006 when, under then Mayor Tim Jones, Council directed staff to create a working group to identify preferred zoning options to better protect stable neighbourhoods for inappropriate infill housing.
In 2008, Staff came back to the new term of Council with an “Infill Zoning Bylaw” that recommended changes to the bylaw to address issues related to front yard setback, maximum depth, building height, minimum distance separation between dwellings and a few other changes specific to the protection of stable neighbourhoods. (please see the attached the 2008 staff report from May 28, 2008 in the link below.)
Unfortunately, the Council at that time voted 8 – 1 against implementing the Infill Zoning Bylaw (with Councillor McRoberts in favour) as some members felt that it “wasn’t the right time” to do so. After over 10 years of discussing this issue, I believe we need to act. Now is the “right time” to address the concerns of our residents in stable Neighbourhoods and take action. I look forward to the discussion tomorrow evening.
