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.

Administration is currently working on the above listed red tape reduction actions, which are proposed to be brought to Council by the end of 2024.

Check this page for future updates on housing affordability red tape reduction.

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.