Dear Editor:
Finally - a letter (Laneway homes belong in Burnaby, Burnaby NOW, March 18) on the laneway home situation which has hit the mark right on the head. The letter written by Vivian Lee-Wardell could have been written by me, I agree with it so wholeheartedly.
This bylaw is way overdue. I have been trying to get in touch with someone at the City of Burnaby for years to have this bylaw brought forward. Almost every city and municipality around us allows them; and they are not unsightly but lovely if built to complement the current home. I went on the Vancouver tour last fall for laneway homes, and I was totally impressed at how tastefully done they are.
I wrote to Mayor Corrigan several times on this issue and on one of my attempts, he did respond on March 4, 2013, saying that work on housing is guided by their Official Community Plan. He goes on to say that, as we enter into future renewal processes for our Community Plan, we shall be engaging with our residents as to their general perspectives, etc. ... I was advised that if I required any further information on the city's housing initiatives to please contact Sharon Folkes, the housing planner. I did just that but got nowhere there, either, as she informed me that they were currently working on rental apartments in residential homes.
I feel that it is of utmost importance to get this bylaw going and passed in Burnaby. I am a widow, retiree and (because we had bought our home so long ago) luckily I have a good lot for a laneway home, which I could either use to accommodate myself, some of my family or a caregiver in my future. Therefore, I am asking you, Mayor Corrigan, to please give this bylaw your immediate attention to help many of us out.
I have lived in Burnaby for 44 years, raised my family here, and would like to continue living here with them not too far away. There are enough highrises, we need something to help the next generations of young Burnaby residents who have lived here all their lives but now cannot save up enough for the huge down payments required to purchase a home. We need your help, and only you, as mayor, can get this action going in a positive direction ASAP.
I have spoken to several of my neighbours regarding this issue and have their support; some of them have three-car garages which are much larger than a laneway home would be.
Thank you.
Shirley McIntosh, Burnaby
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