It has taken many years but the municipality now has a new zoning bylaw ready for council’s consideration.
This document, which governs lot sizes, building dimensions and other details, is one of the community’s most important pieces of legislation.
It affects all of us directly or indirectly.
The draft bylaw contains some changes which should help to bring some more affordable housing into the community.
With these changes, it addresses a long-standing need in Summerland. The cost of housing, while a little lower than a few years ago, is still high enough to make young families and single people think twice before moving to the community.
Smaller houses on smaller lots will mean lower prices for those properties.
Allowing carriage houses also provides an affordable housing option.
While many have come to Summerland for retirement, the community also needs a work force in order to meet the needs of its residents.
The workers will not come here unless they can also afford to live here.
Other changes include the height of commercial buildings. This will eventually bring a change to the look and feel of the downtown area.
Agricultural properties are also affected by the new bylaw.
The draft document is available at the municipality’s website at summerland.ca.
It is a lengthy document, weighing in at 149 pages, but it has some important information.
We urge Summerlanders to have a look at the document and if anyone thinks changes or adjustments are needed, please suggest them at the public hearing on this bylaw next month.
This bylaw affects the whole community and as a result, all should take an interest in it.