Members of The Blue Mountains council were not impressed to find out that a resident’s plan to build an apartment unit on top of a new garage was denied.
Local resident Grant Campbell brought the issue to council’s attention in a letter to the town that was part of the agenda for council’s meeting on Oct. 10.
In his correspondence, Campbell said his attempt to add an accessory apartment unit to a garage he planned to construct on his property on Alice Street was turned down.
“We recently applied to the town for permission to build a garage with an additional dwelling unit above the garage. All appropriate criteria was met with the exception of our land now being zoned for future development,” Campbell stated in his letter. “We have been advised that our application has been denied, however, the garage alone could be approved. The proposed garage and accessory dwelling unit is in close proximity to our house. We have no intention of moving or developing and future development lands should exclude our immediate household. This project would address the provincial and federal mandate for housing.”
Members of council were all demanding answers as to why the project, which appeared to meet the mandate of all three levels of government to build more housing, had been denied.
“This has cost Mr. Campbell some valuable time. I find it very sad,” said Coun. June Porter.
Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon agreed.
“That’s exactly what we’re encouraging at this council table,” Bordignon said of the accessory unit proposal. “We’ve lost time for this resident – a long-time resident – who was just trying to do something positive. We need to do better.”
The deputy mayor said the town needs to take steps to ensure these kinds of projects are expedited and approved.
“Common sense should prevail,” he said.
Adam Smith, the town’s director of planning and development services, said the zoning on the property caused a problem, as well the property lacks full town services. Smith noted that Mr. Campbell could apply for a minor variance at the committee of adjustment to move the project forward and said the town’s Community Improvement Plan has programs in place to financially support the project.
Council passed a resolution asking staff explore all options to expedite a building permit for the project. In addition, council requested a full staff report to explore all options and opportunities to expedite the building of accessory dwelling units in the town.
“We want to make sure the town isn’t in the way of important issues like this,” said Coun. Paula Hope.
Bordignon agreed.
“This should have been approved. The process failed the resident,” he said, noting that the town should expect to see future accessory dwelling proposals for lots that are not on full services. “We’re going to see this in the future.”
Mayor Andrea Matrosovs said allowing rental units at rural properties was going to be an important factor in solving the housing crisis.
“I’m glad this issue has come to light,” said Matrosovs. “We need to make sure families in rural areas have the same opportunities for accessory dwelling units as urban areas. This is becoming more and more prevalent. Families are looking for options.”
