[quote user=ThomasBeyer][quote user=wgraham] I would love to see more people putting in their 2 cents!
Personally, I am against secondary suites, but I can see both sides clearly. I am against because many neighborhoods were built for single family / low density .. and now introducing secondary suites into homes that were built 20, 30 or 60+ years ago doesn't fit the character of said neighborhoods, i.e. might even lower property values in some cases. Some folks clearly would not prefer that their neighbor in a neighborhood with $1M homes now is renting his 3BR suite with 3 add'l (rusty) cars on the (now clogged) cul-de-sac !!
I think allowing people to apply for it, with neighborhood and fire code/safety code approval, is a good compromise, like any new development in an existing area !
Of course you are against suites....they compete directly with apartment buildings
Yes zoning was set many years ago but times have changed and so must the city unless we want unruly urban sprall and higher taxes!
I don't think we will see suites popping up all over the place as you suggest. If you live in a high end neighbourhood you more than likely don't need a rental suite to offset you costs. And what stops you from renting it out as a rooming house if you wanted to anyway? Nothing.
As for parking, you have no current control over how many cars your neighbour has as an owner so what is the big stink if he is a renter? Personally I would rather deal with a land lord than the city to help resolve the issue.
There are certainly two sides to this issue and I too can see both! But one sides seems quite emotional too me.
But what I do like is that Nenshi is engaging the community and giving everyone a voice.
Yes if they legalize suites we may end up with slightly lower rents for a while but I doubt it! We already have the suites....we are just legalizing them! I don't think you will see them popping up all over the city!