Dear Editor
Currently, the City of Burnaby allows for secondary suites but does not permit laneway home development in single-family zones.
I have discussed this issue with many of my fellow Burnaby residents, and it appears to me that there is growing community interest and strong support for this type of housing.
As our demographics and economic circumstances change, laneway homes can provide residents with a more diverse and appropriate housing option. Low rental vacancy rates, large single-family lots with low occupancies, high property values and an aging population are all factors that justify the need for a more diversified housing stock. Laneway homes are one option that could fill a specific need in our community while fitting well with the character of our existing neighbourhoods. They would particularly be attractive for empty nesters, young families starting out with their first homes and multigenerational families.
The benefits to the community are many. Laneway homes can maintain or enhance the existing character of a neighbourhood through use of similar materials and design. They can increase the stock of ground-oriented rental housing and mitigate low vacancy rates. These homes can lead to a more efficient use of land, infrastructure and community services.
They allow aging residents to remain in their homes for a longer period, providing a living space for caregivers or family. They allow for young families or young adults to live in an area and appropriate space that would normally be considered unaffordable. They allow renters housing options beyond townhouses, high-rise apartments and large single-family homes.
They encourage less dependency on cars if the homes are located near major transit nodes, creating more compact, walkable and inclusive neighbourhoods. The homes can also provide a revenue source for homeowners to help defray mortgage costs in the most expensive area to live in Canada.
Many of the surrounding municipalities have already approved or are in the process of amending zoning bylaws for the construction of laneway homes. To name a few, Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge and Surrey have zoning that allows for the construction of stand-alone suites on single home properties. If you feel that it’s time for the City of Burnaby to get on the bandwagon, please contact the mayor’s office to express your support.
Vivian Lee-Wardell, Burnaby
