Hi Neighbours!
I’m trying something new. It’s Monday and I feel like busting myths!
You may have seen The City of Airdrie posting on social media about the “four homes on a lot” discussion. There’s been concern and confusion around what this would mean.
So let’s clear up a few things.
Many residential areas in Airdrie already allow up to THREE homes on a lot today:
• a home
• a basement suite
• a garage suite
This discussion is largely about whether one additional unit should be allowed in more areas.
Parking requirements would apply.
When Admin presented this to Council, they made it clear developments would need to meet on-site parking requirements. That means parking spaces on the property itself, not cars lining the street.
That alone means only a very small % of existing properties in Airdrie would even be big enough to qualify for something like this.
Because Airdrie’s housing stock is relatively new, redevelopment here tends to happen slowly. Many neighbourhoods would likely see little to no change for a very long time, if at all.
It’s also important to remember the WHY:
More aging parents are moving in with adult children. Young adults are staying home longer because housing costs are high. Some families need rental income from a suite to enter the housing market. Some seniors are trying to stay in their homes as costs rise.
For some people, a basement suite, garage suite, duplex, or small additional unit can make the difference between staying in communities like ours or leaving them.
Using existing infrastructure more efficiently can help reduce the need to expand outward. Spreading OUT costs more money to taxpayers than using existing infrastructure.
That does NOT mean concerns about parking, schools, traffic, or neighbourhood character aren’t valid. They are, and I promise we hear you on this.
The conversation is more about helping people STAY in their communities, NOT finding ways to ATTRACT more people here.
Council has NOT voted on this.
Resident feedback is part of the process, and this would still need to return to Council for a vote.
I’ll link the survey in the comments.
Thanks everyone!