The City of Regina is currently engaging in some public engagement and testing proposed regulations for backyard suites – also known as track and garden suites.
Backyard suites are a type of secondary accommodation that can be allowed on a residential site. The city says they offer a number of benefits, including creating more housing choices, increasing affordability, sharing property, potential rental income and also delivering the implementation of development goals and strategies in the City’s Official Community Plan.
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“Going back to 2013, the city council approved 11 lots for this type of development,” said Ben Mario, acting manager of town planning. “In Harbor Landing we approved a few more. In 2016, there were guidelines drawn up by a consultant, we approved two more for filling locations that we legally approved. ”
Between 2013 and 2019, the city council completed pilot projects that built a total of 28 backyard suites throughout the city in new and mature neighborhoods.
Home developers like Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) support an extensive role for backyard suites a lot as it is described as providing significant community benefit.
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“They provide potential extra housing for external families … and for some it may add extra income,” said Stu Niebergall, RRHBA president and CEO. “It allows for aging in place … and also the increased property values.”
Currently, the City of Regina is seeking feedback from residents on proposed regulations to allow this type of housing into the city.
Residents are encouraged to share their input by January 30 to help refine recommendations that will go to council in April for consideration. For more information, visit Regina.ca/backyardsuites to review the draft regulations.
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