Secondary suites streamlined for West Kelowna

A big fight over illegal secondary suites is brewing in West Kelowna. The municipality is considering a bylaw amendment that would permit secondary suites in every residential neighbourhood.

Applicants would no longer even have to go to a public hearing. As long as they meet a number of conditions, dealing with issues like parking and building standards, approval for secondary suites would be almost automatic. The municipality hopes that cutting red tape will encourage property owners to register their illegal secondary suites, which will make it easier for city staff to monitor them.

West Kelowna Communications Manager Kirsten Jones says a recent study suggested there were up to 2,000 secondary suites in the community. "And since we only have 28 legal suites that sounds like a lot of illegal suites," said Jones.

The proposed bylaw change is proving to be controversial. Critics fear property values will be affected in some neighbourhoods.

Joseph Lavigne of the West Kelowna Residents Association says, "You don't deal with speeding cars by removing the speed limit. To allow secondary suites everywhere isn't the right way to deal with illegal suites."

Michael Trenn of the Glenrosa Residents Association believes the issue should go to a public referendum.

West Kelowna is holding a special public hearing next Wednesday to deal with the issue of secondary suites. Because an overflow crowd is expected the meeting will be held at Mount Boucherie High School instead of council chambers.