Secondary-dwelling-unit option eyed for Sarnia homes with partial services – Sarnia Observer

Sarnia City HallFile photo / /The Observer

Since December, just about every detached, semi-detached and townhouse owner in Sarnia has had the ability to create secondary dwelling units, save for those with septic systems or in areas prone to hazards like flooding.

July 13, partial-service properties with municipal water but not sewage services could get the OK as well from city council.

If passed, the new rules would allow homes with septic tanks to install secondary dwelling units like basement apartments, so long as those tanks can accommodate the additional fixtures, said Stacey Forfar, the citys general manager of community services.

Owners whose tanks cant accommodate the extra can decide whether or not to upgrade their septic systems, she said

But it certainly wont be a barrier on the planning side of things, Forfar said.

Homes in areas prone to flooding will still not be able to build secondary dwelling units.

The overall move is a push towards boosting affordable housing options in the city, and started with select residential areas in 2017 amid ongoing sewer system upgrades.

The option gives homeowners a significant mortgage helper and helps with modest intensification, along with providing affordable housing options, Forfar said.

Sarnia in recent years has seen the need for more housing amid a spike in out-of-town workers, and an increase in international students studying at Lambton College.

Homeless shelters were full in early 2019 and 99 people were housed in local motel rooms with emergency funding.

But few people in Sarnia have taken advantage of the option its open currently to about 85 per cent of detached, semi-detached and townhouse residential properties to add secondary dwelling units, Forfar said.

That may be in part because Sarnias population is on average older than most places in Ontario, she said, noting typically secondary dwelling units are used by younger families as a mortgage helper.

Usage in Sarnia hasnt really jumped through the roof yet, she said. Well see what happens now in terms of next steps.

Affordable housing is also a key component of Sarnias community improvement plan, she said. Public feedback is currently being sought for a plan review and update at speakupsarnia.ca about how the city could improve and revitalize areas including downtown, Mitton Village and Northgate.

Plans are to meet and gather feedback with people in the community throughout July, city officials said.

There hasnt been a great volume of feedback from the community about secondary dwelling units, Forfar said, including from consultations last fall before council approved expanding the program in December.

We didnt find this one to be particularly contentious, she said.

tkula@postmedia.com

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Secondary-dwelling-unit option eyed for Sarnia homes with partial services - Sarnia Observer