Agenda Item 13.2

LUB UpdateStrategy for Secondary Suites

PURPOSE:

• to provide a summary of the issues and information presented to the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee on the topic of secondary suites.

• to provide the results and summary of consultation with the Salt Spring Island community.

• to synthesize the results of community consultation, the research of other communities, and planning advice by staff and experts in the field in preparation for next steps in the process.

o Salt Spring Island Water Councilo Agricultural Allianceo Copper Kettleo Realtorso Chamber of Commerceo Water Districtso CRD Building Inspectiono CRD Integrated Water Serviceso CRD Directoro The Land Bank Societyo Members from the Maliview Sewer Commissiono Mike Larmour

Yes No Undecided0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Would like to have a sec-ondary suite in their home

54.7% said that suites should

be allowed in all areas of the

island

68.5% are not concerned about

parking and traffic issues

Homeowners Survey Results

53.7%

85.2% agree the SSI

Community would benefit from legalized

suites

77.5% would like suites in

their neighbourhood

89.2%

4.1%8.1%

Renters who think the SSI Community would benefit from

legalized secondary suitesYes No Undecided

50.7% live in secondary

suites 48.6% have security of long term housing

60% of renters spend more than 30% of income

on rent

79.7% have housing that

has a kitchen, bathroom, and direct access to

the outdoors

Yes; 40.5%

No, 49.8%

Undecided; 11.6%

Are you concerned about the impacts of secondary suites on Salt Spring’s water supply?

71.4% think suites should be located

in areas not known to have water problems

Targeted consultation has revealed that water quality is threatened by

new suites in watersheds; water

supply is not available for suites in some water

districts; sewer is at capacity in Maliview

Pilot Areas – expand more but avoid watershed basins

Water – let building permit process regulate all except

certain water districts where supply is very limited

Incremental Change – is slow uptake and avoiding

water sensitive areas enough?

Existing Suites – should be grandfathered?

Home owner occupancy – people zoning, are there other ways to ensure neighbours

feel protected?

Home Based Businesses – Good opportunity for tenants to work at home or

have a small business of their own

B&Bs – not in suites but ok on same property

Seasonal Cottages – Allow on larger properties if servicing meets requirements

Housing NeedLegalization of suites is the most frequently suggested

action to increase the supply of affordable housing stock in

the community.

Next Steps