Smaller, more affordable housing wanted by Hart residents

Housing was a hot topic at last night’s “neighborhood conversation” at the Hart Pioneer Centre.

City Planner Hillary Morgan says residents were concerned about the lack of affordable housing north of the Nechako.

“I’d say the biggest message is less monster homes and big homes; more variety, especially smaller housing.”

The Hart also has far less rental housing compared to the rest of the city, something the city hopes to address by encouraging developers to build smaller.

“One part is just showing them the statistics saying that there is a demand for it; if you build this, it will be brought up.” Morgan said

She says that the city is also looking at tax incentives for residential developers in the Hart, similar to what they already have in place downtown.

Another way the city plans of tackling the rental crunch is looking at allowing carriage/coach houses across the city. City bylaws currently prohibit them, and many believe they could be a big help in freeing up rental spaces.

But Morgan added that the city needs to make sure neighbourhood utilities can handle the increased density.

“That’s why it’s more than a simple policy change, we have to do some research and find out where this can be accommodated or not. Parking is also definitely an issue for place that are not serviced by transit.”

In the same vein as smaller and more affordable housing, the lack of seniors housing was a concern from many residents.

People voiced concerns of being pushed out of the Hart as they age and want to downsize, saying the clean air in the Hart makes it a great place to age, but they just can’t find a place to live.

Last nights “Neighborhood Conversation” was the first in a series across the city, with the next one planned for a different neighborhood in the fall.