By Roy Wood, Special to the Times Chronicle

Osoyoos will ask the provincial government for a five-year delay before the town is required to implement policies to create more affordable housing.

The deadline for a bylaw implementing the province’s Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) policy was set for the end of next month. But, apparently recognizing the difficulty municipalities would face meeting the deadline, the province in February offered the possibility of extending the deadline for up to six and half years.

Citing the town’s plans for a new water treatment facility and attendant upgrading its potable water infrastructure, the town will ask for an extension of five years, to June 30, 2029.

Late last year, BC Premier David Eby announced changes to the Local Government Act compelling municipalities to implement zoning bylaws and other measures to ease the shortage of affordable housing.

In a press release at the time, Eby said: “Constructing mostly high-rise condo towers or single-family homes means BC isn’t building enough small-scale, multi-unit homes that fit into existing neighbourhoods and give people more housing options that are within reach.

“That’s why we’re taking action to fix zoning problems and deliver more homes for people, faster.”

Among the provisions of the legislation:

  • Permits one secondary suite or one laneway home (accessory dwelling unit) in all BC communities;
  • Allow three to four units on lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use, depending on lot size and;
  • Compels local governments to remove “redundant processes and one-off public hearings that slow down housing projects that already fit with community plans.”

In a report to a council committee Tuesday, contract planner Chris Garrish pointed out that the capacity of the town’s current potable water system is not capable of meeting current peak-hour demand. And, should additional housing create even more demand, “(T)here is risk to the community in regard to fire protection.”

He added: “The Town is moving toward the construction of a new surface water system, but (is) in the preliminary planning stages and will not see the project completed until 2028.”

As a result, he said, “(A)n extension to the SSMUH requirements is necessary to allow Town to address water availability to promote these higher densities.”

Granting of the extension seems likely given the criteria stipulated by the province in its February announcement:

  • The local government is in the process of upgrading infrastructure that services the specific area or specific lots for which the extension is being requested;
  • The infrastructure that services the area where SSMUH would apply is such that compliance by June 30, 2024, is likely to increase a risk to health, public safety or the environment in that area or;
  • Extraordinary circumstances exist that otherwise prevent compliance in relation to the area.

The council committee decided to specify the five-year time frame, rather than an open-ended request.