Saanich New Version of Missing Middle Housing

This article discusses the District of Saanich’s decision to create a new small-apartment zone that would allow developers to build three-storey apartments on single-family lots. The district aims to provide more housing options for people, particularly students and working professionals, who have not been well served in terms of affordable housing. The proposed zone is expected to be less expensive to build than larger apartments, as it does not require complex systems like elevators and HVAC. One noteworthy aspect mentioned in the article is the 1-2 year wait for approval by the Saanich Council. Although the B.C. government has introduced its Homes for People action plan, which includes rezoning to allow for higher density housing, the District of Saanich has taken the initiative to create its own small-apartment zone. However, this new zone cannot be added to the district’s zoning bylaw until a developer comes forward with a specific project and successfully obtains rezoning. The mayor is optimistic about receiving applications, especially considering the demand for housing near the university and college campuses in Saanich. The article also touches upon the confusion surrounding whether the additional units allowed by the Homes for People program will be restricted to rentals or if property owners can add strata homes (condos or townhouses) that can be sold. While the province’s plan includes measures such as a flipping tax and speculation and vacancy tax to address housing affordability and discourage speculative practices, it is unclear whether strata homes will be permitted under the new zoning legislation. Overall, this article highlights Saanich’s proactive approach to address housing challenges and create more housing options. The decision to establish a small-apartment zone shows a willingness to adapt to the local housing needs, although the actual implementation is subject to project proposals and the rezoning process.