Controversial backyard suite regulations get initial approval from Red Deer city council

The concerns were particularly prevalent in older neighbourhoods like Waskasoo, Woodlea and Parkvale.

Council unanimously approved these changes, with every council member voting, save for the absent Kraymer Barnstable.

Below is a summary of the changes made by council at first reading:

Building height: Maximum height of 5.5 m for Backyard Suites built at grade, or 7.4 m for Backyard Suites built over a garage. 
Introducing a maximum floor area of 75m² (807 ft²), while retaining the existing 75% of the principal dwelling rule – whichever is less.
In any neighbourhood with character statements and overlays, Backyard Suites shall be subject to these regulations.
Discouraging liveable attic space by controlling overall height and size, addressing concerns without redefining “storey.”
Variance Powers: Any regulation in the bylaw relating to Backyard Suites may be relaxed by the Development Authority to a maximum of 15% in neighbourhood with Overlays or Character Statements.

The public hearing on Sept. 15 will allow the community to voice their concerns before second and third readings.

It was in April this year when staff were asked to report back with amendments to the zoning bylaw for consideration by the end of Q3, including reducing maximum height of backyard suites, amending floor area maximum, developing special regulations for backyard suites for Woodlea, Waskasoo, and Parkvale, and to define ‘Storey’ and prevent liveable attic space.

The amendments brought to council were written by administration after gathering feedback from engagement sessions in the community.

Councillor Higham said in her closing comments that voting in favour of the proposed resolution shows the public that their voices weren’t ignored.

“This shows the public that we heard them, we’re listening to them, and we’re amending things in favour of the concerns they raised,” she said.

Meantime, in letters obtained by rdnewsNOW from the Waskasoo Community Association and Parkvale Community Association in July, they voiced concerns on the proposed regulations.

The Waskasoo Community Association board of directors said they felt public engagement did not capture their community’s concerns and recommendations regarding the current backyard suite regulations.

City administration said those letters and other public comments were not received in time to be considered in the Aug. 5 agenda, however, they will be included in the upcoming public hearing.

Administration also told rdnewsNOW that the letters (see below) from the community groups, when they were first sent to the city, were sent to the wrong email and that they’re still trying to figure out exactly where they were sent. All public comments should be sent to publichearings@reddeer.ca.

Mayor Ken Johnston said in his closing comments he was dismayed by emails the city received over the long weekend, which had remarks made about city administration.

He added that the public should refrain from making those types of comments at the public hearing.

He said citizens accused administration using terms such as, “deliberately conceal,” “intentionally mislead,” and “hiding facts.”

“I want the public to know that in my 12 years of dealing with this administration on a day-to-day basis in public events and meetings in my office, I have never ever felt mislead, the deliberate concealing of information or hiding facts, or in any other way except to have a professional clear experience,” Johnston said.

“I will be the chair on the 15th of September and I would appreciate no further reference of this kind to fellow Red Deerians, to people who live and work in our own community. They are not in any way deserving of those kinds of remarks.”

by Ian Gustafson

Controversial backyard suite regulations get initial approval from Red Deer city council

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