Strathmore City Council Holds Public Hearing on Garden and Garage Suite AmendmentsStrathmore City Council Holds Public Hearing on Garden and Garage Suite Amendments The Strathmore City Council convened a public hearing on proposed modifications to Ordinance No. 24-14, which would introduce regulations for garden and garage suites in the town. Public Concerns Raised Only two residents attended the hearing to express their reservations. Claude Brown, a resident for the past two years, voiced concerns about potential overcrowding and traffic congestion. He argued that the changes would negatively impact desirable neighborhoods. Survey Results and Current Regulations Prior to the hearing, the city conducted a survey revealing that 64% of respondents supported garden suites in their neighborhoods. However, 31% believed on-site parking should be mandated, while 38% preferred garden suites only in single-family residences. Currently, Strathmore’s Land Use Bylaw permits existing garden suites, but new construction is prohibited without the ordinance amendments. Council’s Response Councilman Brent Wiley addressed Brown’s concerns, asserting that the amendments did not constitute wholesale rezoning as in the case of Calgary. He emphasized strict regulations, including the requirement for an additional parking space on each lot and a limitation of one suite per property. Amendment History The proposed ordinance amendment was first introduced in June and is currently undergoing review by the city council.
The Strathmore City Council held a public hearing on proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 24-14, which would allow garden and garage suites in Strathmore.
The hearing was held Wednesday at Strathmore Town Hall, with only two residents present to voice their concerns about the changes, which would allow a second home to be built on the property and used as a separate living space or stand-alone dwelling.
Strathmore’s current Land Use Bylaw regulates existing garden suites, with a block of these suites at Strathmore Lakes. However, it is not currently possible to apply for a new permit to develop a garden or garage suite without these changes.
In October 2022, the city conducted a survey on the idea of allowing garages and garden suites in the community, with 64 percent of respondents saying they would like to see garden suites in their neighborhood. In the same survey, 31 percent of respondents said parking should be on-site, with on-street parking unacceptable. Another 38 percent agreed that only single-family homes should have garden suites.
One of the residents who expressed concerns about the proposed changes was Claude Brown, who has lived in Strathmore for the past two years.
“I think this is a terrible bylaw. Calgary had its own general rezoning debacle, and the citizens spoke out against it,” Brown said. “I know it was said in this meeting that this is an incremental change, but this incremental change is going to affect the largest properties and the best neighbourhoods in this city.”
Despite his frustration, Brown complimented the council for their efforts.
“You’re doing great on so many things. I don’t always agree with everything, but most of the things you do are pretty good. This is not a good idea.”
Brown’s complaints stemmed from overcrowding and traffic congestion, with about 20 percent of the city eligible to build yard and garage suites. His concerns were answered by Councilman Brent Wiley.
“I maintain that it’s not a wholesale rezoning. What happened in Calgary was a nightmare. I think it encourages citizens as developers,” Wiley said. “It’s very, very regulated. It’s so regulated that the conservative part of me really resents the amount of regulation.”
Wiley added that the ordinance document states that there must be an additional parking space on the lot. The document also states that only one garage or garden suite is allowed per lot.
The amendment to the articles of association was first read in June.
