Priority: We need to engage low densification strategies that will increase the availability of housing yet not alter the ambience and integrity of local neighbourhoods.
Action: Give instruction to staff to align the Zoning Bylaw with the Official Community Plan.
People I speak with are frustrated with the lack of housing options in our community. Oak Bay needs an array of housing stock that correspond to the demographic mix in our community. I have spoken to a great number of seniors who want to downsize from their family home but are passionate about remaining in this community and maintaining their social and recreational connections as they age. We are losing too many long-time Oak Bay residents whose housing needs are not being met here. In making these options available for older adults through townhouses and other low densification strategies, we free up larger homes for young families. People also tell me they want housing that has a range of price points, and, can be rented or owned. Expanding housing options on the high traffic corridors, as per the OCP, can reduce pressure to densify in the residential areas (see Oak Bay Village Plan).
That said, in the residential areas there are low densification strategies through rezoning that will increase the availability of housing yet not alter the ambience and integrity of local neighbourhoods.
Secondary Suites. Most people in Oak Bay (85% Official Community Plan survey) want secondary suites to be regulated. It’s is important to recognize that there are an estimated 800 unregulated secondary suites in Oak Bay. We are the last of two districts in the region to regulate suites. Regulation will address parking issues and ensure suites conform to building codes, minimizing fire and other safety hazards. In sum, secondary suites Regulated suites create a legitimate housing option, can be mortgage helpers, and provide a way for some residents the ability to ‘age out’ in their community.
This past July, Council directed staff to engage the community to develop a secondary suite program. It’s important to me that community residents have input into shaping the secondary suite program and this will be high on the agenda for the new council.
Non-conforming Duplex Properties. There are about 85 existing legal non-conforming duplexes in the District. Without legitimate zoning, owners of these properties are reluctant to upgrade or renovate. This is because there is no duplex-specific zoning bylaw, which make upgrades or renovations unpredictable and administratively onerous for property owners; further, because the property is on one fee simple lot, ability to purchase one side of a duplex as separate property is denied to residents who wish to downgrade or spend less. To remedy this situation Council will need to direct staff to create a duplex zoning bylaw for these legal non-conforming duplexes.
Heritage Conversions. Homes in Oak Bay with a heritage (historical) character contribute significantly to the unique character of our streetscapes and community. They are precious. In spite of achievements by our Heritage Commission to designate increasing numbers of heritage homes, designations are being outpaced by demolitions, and heritage houses are being replaced by new builds that maximize square footage. To disincentivize demolitions we can introduce a heritage conversion zoning bylaw that will encourage preservation of the heritage building in exchange for increased density like rentals or condos. A heritage conversion bylaw would serve three functions: preserve the heritage buildings, retain streetscape, and offer new housing stock.