Nanaimo residents are being asked to help shape future housing with its population expected to keep on climbing.
The city is seeking input through a public survey, closing Sept. 29, on its website.
The goal is to create a diversity of housing — enough to meet the demand for more lower-cost homes, to see more family options added and to ensure enough units will be available for those with special physical needs.
Proposals are open for public comment and an open house is set for today between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Beban Rd. in Nanaimo.
A package of proposals would result in a change in the mix and diversity of housing in Nanaimo, now estimated to have about 100,000 citizens. Many of the city’s homes are single-family detached but as prices rise, people are turning to more affordable multi-family strata and rental units.
The city is looking at encouraging development of secondary suites, which could include coach houses, by adjusting its regulations. It is also looking at ways to increase family-friendly housing options, add infill to existing neighbourhoods, such as through duplexes and triplexes, and create housing units for people with special physical needs.
To take the survey go to: getinvolvednanaimo.ca/housing-initiatives?tool=survey_tool#tool_tab.
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