The Housing Choices Program in Burnaby is an initiative aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing in the city by diversifying the types of housing available in its neighborhoods. This program focuses on introducing laneway homes and suites in semi-detached homes, which the City of Burnaby approved in February 2023. Laneway homes are small houses built at the back of a main house, while “suites in semis” are secondary suites in semi-detached homes. These new housing types offer additional space for families, new sources of rental housing, and income for homeowners.
To keep residents informed about the Housing Choices Program, the City of Burnaby will be hosting public open houses in North Burnaby and Metrotown, where attendees can ask questions and receive information about the program. The presentation materials from these open houses will also be available online. Additionally, a public survey on the draft program will be available starting on March 27, and residents are encouraged to share their thoughts.
The Housing Choices Program is part of the City of Burnaby’s broader Affordable Housing Strategy, which aims to address the affordability crisis in the region. By introducing new types of housing, such as laneway homes and suites in semi-detached homes, the City hopes to increase the supply of affordable housing options for residents.
For more information about Housing Choices Program in Burnaby call Geoff Jarman at 604-313-7280
Laneway homes are small homes constructed in the backyard of a primary residence, facing the lane. They can serve as an additional space for families or a new source of rental housing, as well as generate income for the homeowner.
The City of Burnaby’s Housing Choices program is aimed at diversifying the housing options available in the City’s single and two-family neighborhoods.
Image source: City of Burnaby
The first phase of the program was focused on implementing laneway homes and secondary suites in semi-detached homes.
In the spring of 2022, a public survey was conducted to gather input on this initial phase of the Housing Choices program.
Burnaby is considering prioritizing laneway homes and secondary suites in semi-detached homes as part of its program, with a draft to be reviewed by the city council in early 2023.
Public open houses are set to take place in spring 2023, and official bylaw changes are expected to be implemented by fall 2023.
The city plans to present a detailed report on laneway homes at the planning and development committee meeting on Feb. 8.
In the meantime, a report from October 2022 shows that over 250 people registered for workshops, and an additional 100 attended drop-in open houses, while 2,550 respondents completed the Housing Choices Survey. A full summary of the engagement process has been prepared and is now available to view: Housing Choices “What We Heard” Report.
Image source: City of Burnaby
Participants expressed interest in flexibility for the design and construction of laneway homes.
Participants in the October 2022 report on Burnaby’s laneway homes expressed a need for affordability and feasibility, including reduced permitting and servicing costs, flexible design options, and a clear approval process to minimize building delays and red tape.
They also supported designs with more living space and homes with multiple stories, emphasizing the importance of accessible design features such as single or no-step entrances, wide entrances, and living spaces on the main floor.
While there was interest in entrances facing the lane for efficient emergency access, concerns were raised about potential safety issues due to traffic. As a solution, some suggested using side entrances instead.
Participants in the October 2022 report expressed concerns about the impact of below-grade living spaces on natural light in homes, which was proposed as an option to add additional building height.
Three-storey options were also considered too tall for some neighbourhoods, with concerns raised about the proportionality of the laneway home to the principal dwelling. Opinions on setbacks varied, with some preferring minimum setbacks from the principal residence, lane, and neighbouring homes, while others preferred to optimize open space by making the laneway home less wide than the principal residence.
Image source: City of Burnaby
Reduced setbacks were seen as more suitable for urban areas with smaller lots, while larger, less urban lots were seen as less suitable. Participants also emphasized the importance of green space and private outdoor areas between the laneway home and primary residence, and expressed a desire for laneway homes to look like welcoming homes rather than garages, with windows facing the lane and social spaces facing the laneway to encourage neighbourhood interaction.
Burnaby conducted a housing choices survey that spanned three weeks from late March 2022 and received 2,550 responses primarily from homeowners but also renters throughout the city. According to the survey results, 69% of homeowners expressed interest in building a laneway home on their property, while 59% of renters showed interest in living in one. The survey found that 79% of respondents indicated they would build a laneway home to accommodate their families, while 66% would build one to rent out.
For more information about Housing Choices Program in Burnaby call Geoff Jarman at 604-313-7280
