Secondary Suites

Regulating and permitting secondary suites has to be part of the solution to the housing affordability crisis that affects so many individuals and families in Saanich and throughout the region.

Secondary suites bring affordability benefits for both renters (more suites available) and for home owners (another source of revenue, helping with mortgage or taxes). But we shouldn’t change Saanich’s bylaw without consulting with the community to make sure we respect the quality and character of our neighbourhoods. And, we should ensure that we help reduce urban sprawl and traffic congestion by locating suites in walkable neighbourhoods near shops and schools and other amenities. As in Victoria, a pilot project in Saanich will provide an opportunity to iron-out the wrinkles of permitting secondary suites.

We also have to increase housing affordability in others ways. A policy that is working well elsewhere is mandating a minimum of 10 per cent affordable units in new developments of 10 units or more. This could work in Saanich too, and would mean that affordability was “built-in” and would grow with the rest of the housing stock.

Saanich can also offer surplus municipal land (not green space or parks) on long-term, no-cost leases to help build publicly-operated, affordable rental units. Land costs are often the most expensive part of the affordability equation. As a landowner, Saanich is perfectly positioned to help create new units in our region.

Finally, the just-announced federal and provincial budgets provide funding for housing, and there is capacity in our local building and development industries. Saanich, as the largest municipality in the Capital Region, should work with senior governments and play an active role in creating its share of the 1,550 affordable housing units the region needs in the next three years.

I will keep working with Council, residents, community associations, and housing groups to help create legal secondary suites and affordable housing in Saanich. We need to act now to make sure that our region remains an affordable place for everyone to call home, now and for the next generation.