An example of a carriage home. (The City of Red Deer)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

revisiting a past matter

Carriage homes back on The City of Red Deer’s radar

Mar 1, 2021 | 6:06 PM

The City of Red Deer is revisiting the matter of carriage homes existing in mature neighbourhoods.

In 2018, city council considered an application to build a carriage home – a secondary dwelling unit above a rear-detached garage — in Woodlea. Following much feedback both for and against that proposal, it was rejected.

However, council asked administration to conduct a study on their pros and cons in those particular parts of the city. Currently, carriage homes are allowed within the R1C district and only exist in Timberlands.

The previous rule of thumb is that they weren’t suitable for mature neighbourhoods due to the difference in lot sizes and regulations.

The new study now complete, it suggests carriage home developments in mature neighbourhoods are supported by current City of Red Deer policies, Land Use Bylaw redevelopment regulations, housing trends, and municipal best practices.

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At the time of the previous proposal, the applicant argued what he was pitching was an example of urbanism and would be positive both for the neighbourhood and city. Other supporting comments noted a need to be innovative, and that large lot sizes worked well with carriage homes because it means there’s typically more yard space.

Other neighbours countered, saying allowance for carriage homes, even just one, would change the fabric and character of the area, as well cause parking issues.

The recently completed study found carriage homes provide sustainable redevelopment which increase the availability of housing in mature neighbourhoods.

Many municipalities in Alberta, the study notes, have adopted carriage homes as part of their Land Use Bylaw, though some refer to them as laneway homes or garage suites.

The study didn’t include community consultation, which council approved to take place during the upcoming Municipal Development Plan update and the Land Use Bylaw update occurring in 2021-2023.

The study can be read here.