Public outcry regarding the increasing size of new multiplex residences in Burnaby, B.C., has prompted city officials to revise the regulations governing construction. The updated rules will require multiplex homes in the city to be smaller and provide more on-site parking spaces. Burnaby, a municipality with approximately 250,000 residents situated east of Vancouver, first permitted multiplex housing in July the previous year, following a provincial directive for most B.C. municipalities to allow between four and six homes on single-family lots.
In a city known for its suburban expansion interspersed with high-rise structures, multiplex homes are now permitted on any of Burnaby’s 31,000 previously single-family residential plots. Initially, under Burnaby’s multiplex bylaw, builders were allowed to erect homes up to four storeys high. However, following a recent council decision, future multiplex constructions will be limited to three storeys, with floor areas reduced by 33 to 60 percent.
Moreover, the minimum required on-site parking for developers has been increased. Residents like Tim O’Meara and former B.C. MLA Kathy Corrigan have expressed concerns about the visual impact and size of the new multiplex homes. O’Meara described the ongoing construction as “extraordinary” and raised worries about the effect on neighboring property values. Corrigan admitted to being a “NIMBY,” opposing the towering structures in her neighborhood.
Mayor Mike Hurley emphasized the city’s responsiveness to residents’ feedback, stating that the adjustments are not merely a reaction to NIMBYism but a reflection of community sentiment. He highlighted the challenges posed by the provincial directives and the need for a more balanced approach to multiplex construction. Hurley favored multiplex homes within the 1,400 to 1,900 square foot range, contrasting with the larger 2,600 square foot residences previously built.
The Ministry of Housing underscored the necessity for more housing options, emphasizing the benefits of multiplex dwellings in established neighborhoods. Builders like Bryn Davidson acknowledged the innovative nature of Burnaby’s program and the anticipated resistance to change. Davidson mentioned the normal adjustment period when introducing new housing concepts, drawing parallels to past community reactions to basement suites, laneway homes, and duplexes.
In conclusion, while Burnaby residents and officials navigate the evolving landscape of multiplex housing, Mayor Hurley and city council aim to strike a balance between accommodating growth and preserving community aesthetics and values.
