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Time to allow suites in the MD

Mother-in-law suites aren’t a thing of the past in the Foothills. In fact, there are a number of secondary suites in the MD, from lofts to basement apartments and additions onto homes.

Mother-in-law suites aren’t a thing of the past in the Foothills.

In fact, there are a number of secondary suites in the MD, from lofts to basement apartments and additions onto homes. Some have acquired mobile homes to keep as a second unit on their property for compassionate care - tending to sick or elderly family members.

In the MD, only parcels of 80 acres or more are eligible for more than one dwelling, but many residents have made accommodations of their own.

The MD has recognized the importance of addressing the secondary suite issue in its own backyard. Public consultation has begun and council will be deciding whether to change its land use bylaw and allow suites under certain conditions.

It’s time to address the issue.

With illegal suites already permeating the countryside, the issue of secondary suites becomes more about safety. How many of those suites have been properly inspected to ensure they adhere to fire and building codes?

Are the water and wastewater systems in the area sufficient enough to provide for additional dwellings? How about the roads?

These are all questions to consider when allowing MD residents to build secondary suites. There could be impacts on the neighbours or the environment, depending on the area proposed.

However, permitting secondary suites under safe and limited conditions is the right thing to do.

Many people would like the opportunity to age in place, to grow old on their farmland surrounded by family, but with current regulations they are largely unable to do so.

It may also provide young families with the opportunity to afford a mortgage on an acreage or farm, if they can split the bill with someone else - family or otherwise.

It’s time to open the MD of Foothills to secondary suites - done the right way.




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