The  Secondary Suites Task Force is to identify and remove barriers to facilitate an increase in secondary suites within Central Saanich. 

Background/Context 

 The current Central Saanich bylaw regarding secondary suites needs to be updated (to the current provincial standard). There are many underground, non-conforming secondary suites within Central Saanich that would benefit by being made legitimate – safety inspection, parking regulations for neighbours and control of density and control of impact on local municipal infrastructure. Most landlords would prefer to have a legal suite and conform to all reasonable bylaws. Tenants would have the protection of proper regulations.  

 There are two main demographics who would benefit: 

• Late middle-age (empty nesters) or seniors with extra space in their home and the need for additional income or for extended family support; 

• Home owners with existing mortgages who need the additional income for a mortgage helper, especially in the context of increased interest rates and an increase in the cost of living (food and energy costs).  

  Terms of Reference 

 For the Central Saanich Community Association Secondary Suite Task Force (SSTF) to facilitate an increase in secondary suites in Central Saanich municipality, by identifying, reviewing and updating municipal bylaws, policies and procedures to align with the current provincial code, legislation and direction, in collaboration with Central Saanich Municipal Council. 

TIMELINE  

• The SSTF is not an ongoing committee. The SSTF will be discontinued after recommendations are delivered to the CSCA board, after which the CSCA will present to council, likely by the spring of 2023.
• The SSTF can meet as many times as needed, but should plan to meet at least once per month.
• The SSTF makes 3-5 recommendations on specific deliverables to the CSCA board by February 2023. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Gather research on other BC municipalities’ approach to secondary suites
• Meet at least once per month until the SSTF is discontinued. 
• Maintain the short-term orientation of the SSTF which reports to the CSCA.

 COMPOSITION  

Three members from the CSCA.   

CSCA Board: One representative from the CSCA board to serve as liaison to the Task Force.   

 OBJECTIVES AND DELIVERABLES  

• Produce a document that can share the secondary suite research with other municipalities 
• Produce a SSTF Report to present to the CSCA Board
• Produce a number of formal resolution options for CSCA to present to CS council 

 CONTACT 

The status quo in Central Saanich is not facilitating enough of an increase in secondary suites.  As a task force, we are looking for people who have a common interest in making the process of obtaining a permit and renovating for secondary suites easier, reasonable, and financially attainable.   

If you have experience with, or are considering, a secondary suite and would like to assist with improving how our municipality allows secondary suites, we would like to hear from you:   

  csaanichssbylawtf@gmail.com