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Edmonton to potentially/hopefully legalize suites in side-by-side duplexes

REIGirl

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Jun 7, 2017
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Hi Everyone!

In the event you may be interested, the city of Edmonton currently does not permit legal basement suites in duplexes, HOWEVER, it looks like that may be changing as city councillors review amendments to the current bylaw which will legalize such suites. This month (June 2017) the city has opened up a public survey (Edmonton Insight Community) where you can weigh in on the issue, as well as another relevant issue regarding adult only buildings and children in apartments. The June survey has other topics included in it, but the aforementioned are the ones related to RE.

Here is the link to the survey if you wish to voice your opinion on the matter:

https://www.edmontoninsightcommunit...1a4&so=true&a=1845&as=IP6l7hR0Bh&fromdetect=1

According to Councillor Bev Esslinger's office, who is leading the proposed amendment, the legalization of suites in duplexes should be rolled out and in effect by June 2018

Cheers!
 

Cory Sperle

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Why would the city be interested to do this now? It will bog down those areas with excess vehicles and noise, and also Edmonton is a renters paradise with falling rents and high vacancies, so where is the need?
 

REIGirl

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Jun 7, 2017
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Why would the city be interested to do this now? It will bog down those areas with excess vehicles and noise, and also Edmonton is a renters paradise with falling rents and high vacancies, so where is the need?
I believe the issue is partly a matter of safety since there are already so many suited duplexes that are being rented out and thus having the bylaw amended to enable legality will help ensure that they meet the proper regulations/codes. Also, as long as the suites meet the requirements it will prevent tenants from being forced to leave their homes if someone makes a complaint about the rental. Further, given that the Cornerstone grant was renewed in 2017, my assumption is that the City still sees access to affordable housing as an outstanding issue. The process of legalizing suites in duplexes actually started at least a year ago but with all the red tape and bureaucracy involved in government, such things tend to be prolonged. Vehicle congestion can be an issue, however allowing legal suites in duplexes can make home ownership more feasible for many people with the extra income that it provides, not to speak of the investment side. Here is a link to a news article which gives insight as to how this came about:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmon...dmonton-duplexes-could-become-legal-1.3645918
 

Wayne Hillier

Wayne Hillier
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May 5, 2014
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Yah I spoke with the planner overseeing it last year and I'm "supposed" to be on a mailing list for information.

Really glad you posted this. Thankyou
 

Matt Crowley

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Dec 14, 2013
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I was involved in preliminary discussions with this when COE approached UDI. There is no reason this shouldn't be approved, and I expect it will be.

The shadow stock of rentals is an issue and the hot political issue as far as average tax payers are concerned but the bigger issue is that the Capital Region has new density requirements and this would allow a duplex to effectively be counted as a fourplex which makes it a lot easier to hit density targets in new neighbourhoods. When it comes to zoning a neighbourhood, this means you have to plan for less mid rise buildings which are not really needed in the suburbs as greatly as the lower density product.

The civil groups in Edmonton like EFCL have a bit of a declining / stagnant influence as their tirade against increasing density is so tired and offer zero solutions. Affordability is still a pertinent issue in the city and a very hot topic for the current council. That is not expected to change with the new incoming group either.

Increasing density is part of Edmonton maturing into a better city with better amenities and usable transportation. It is a slog because the city is build with inner sprawl and archaic attitudes around parking entitlement. Council is ultimately moving at a snails pace willing only to implement tried and tested methods and provide few new ideas or innovative development / zoning allowances.
 
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