Housing affordability red tape reduction

On April 23, 2024, Council approved the Strathcona County Housing Affordability Strategy 2024-2030. (2.3 MB) . The strategy defines the County’s vision, actions and targets for housing affordability, and positions our municipality to work in partnership with other levels of government. The strategy includes the following housing affordability red tape reduction action items:

Increasing opportunities for secondary suites and garden suites;
Reducing onsite parking requirements for affordable housing forms;
Increasing opportunities for supportive housing uses;
Increasing flexibility of amenity space requirements; and
Allowing for mixed-use development on County lands.

The above actions were completed through the bylaws listed below:

Bylaw 24-2024 Land Use Bylaw was adopted by Council on September 20, 2024 (section 3.4)
Bylaw 39-2024 Text Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 24-2024 - Secondary Suites was adopted by Council on October 1, 2024
Bylaw 45-2024 Text Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 24-2024 - Garden Suites was adopted by Council on November 19, 2024
Bylaw 46-2024 Text Amendments to Land Use Bylaw 24-2024 Secondary Suites Within Townhouses was adopted by Council on November 19, 2024
Bylaw 50-2024 Text Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 24-2024 (MNS - Mixed-use Neighbourhood Services Zone) was adopted by Council on February 25, 2025
Bylaw 51-2024 Text Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 24-2024 (housing uses) was adopted by Council on February 25, 2025

Common questions

1. What is housing affordability?
Permanent link to What is housing affordability?
What is housing affordability?

Housing affordability is a measure of the ability for homeowners and renters to keep pace with the rising cost of housing (i.e., property taxes, rent increases, assessments, and associated costs). The housing affordability red tape reduction actions are intended to create a more affordable housing market within the County and increase overall housing options.
2. What does red tape reduction for housing affordability mean?
Permanent link to What does red tape reduction for housing affordability mean?
What does red tape reduction for housing affordability mean?

Red tape reduction refers to the reduction of land use barriers, timelines and costs associated with current County regulations for both non-market housing and more affordable housing forms.