The City's Official Community Plan supports the construction of a variety of housing options and encourages infill development and densification in existing neighbourhood centres. The term "infill" refers to development within existing neighbourhoods that does not require the extension of City services (storm, sewer, water) or the construction of new roads. Infill development is widely accepted as a sustainable form of development because mature neighbourhoods are often closer to amenities and transit. This allows residents to walk or take transit rather than drive.
Infill is also financially sustainable because it allows more people to utilise services that already exist (such as pipes for water, sewage, and roads) and avoids the need to expand pipes and roads, which all require ongoing maintenance. Benefits of infill development include:
- No need to expand and construct new roads and sewer/water lines.
- No increase in snow removal.
- Vacant lots and older buildings are revitalised.
- Amenities and services are nearby.
- Older neighbourhoods have mature vegetation, trees, parks, and schools nearby.
- Rural areas and green space are preserved.
Secondary Suites
Secondary suites introduce gentle densification into residential neighbourhoods, while providing a means of creating affordable housing for both homeowners and renters. Secondary suites are permitted in single-family dwellings, subject to zoning and lot width.
Secondary Dwellings
Secondary dwellings are self-contained buildings that are detached and subordinate to the principal dwelling in terms of size, scale, and massing. This use is exclusively used for occupancy by one household. These dwellings may include the following:
- Carriage Housing — a dwelling that is constructed above a detached garage
- Cottage Housing — a one-storey dwelling that is constructed at building grade. This housing form does not include a basement or a half-storey.
Secondary dwellings are permitted subject to zoning and lot width. A secondary dwelling must be consistent with the Intensive Residential Development Permit Guidelines.
Narrow Lot House - RS4 Zone
Narrow lot housing, on lots less than or equal to 11 m wide, zoned RS4: Urban Residential or shown on Schedule D-5: Intensive Residential Development Permit Areas, must be consistent with the Intensive Residential Development Permit Guidelines. The design guidelines ensure new homes respect the form and character of the surrounding neighbourhood and achieve a high-quality design standard.