The Town of Hay River is looking for residents’ feedback on proposed zoning and building bylaw amendments that would loosen restrictions on how housing can be built.
The stated goal of the amendments is to diversify the housing supply in the community.
A memo published on Tuesday includes a list of proposed changes such as permitting multiple-unit housing in more zones, removing some requirements for accessory dwelling units (sometimes called granny or garden suites) and removing minimum unit sizes for dwellings in residential zones.
The proposed amendments would also reduce barriers for the construction of modular homes, and allow for the use of temporary work camps – where employers could temporarily house people working on the same or adjacent lots.
The memo includes a proposed expansion to the zones within which transitional housing can be built.
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A more diverse housing supply that is affordable and suited to community needs was identified as a goal in a housing needs assessment published in 2022 and a strategic housing plan published in 2023.
The Town of Hay River is hosting a virtual consultation session on Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30-6:30pm and an in-person session on the same day from 7-8:30pm at the recreation centre’s community hall.
According to the memo, public feedback on the proposed changes will be used to finalize the bylaw updates before being brought to the town’s mayor and council for adoption.
