These four attached units on a corner lot at Milton and Albert St. is an example of gentle housing density to make the most out of available space. (Google Maps)

By Jordan Davidson

housing challenges

‘Gentle density’ housing expanding in demand and popularity Nanaimo

Jun 7, 2022 | 5:53 AM

NANAIMO — A recent development proposal which would see four homes built on a single south Nanaimo lot has raised questions regarding the future of housing density in the area.

The pitched project, located at 220 Haliburton St., is the first in the area to put four separate, detached homes in one spot, but follows in the footsteps of other outside the box solutions

Jeremy Holm, City director of development approvals, said this kind of approach works for this particular Haliburton St. lot, and takes advantage of some of the natural attributes.

“It has laneway access in an older neighbourhood with existing zoning in place. The architect’s approach is sort of an approach to gentle density to achieve a single-family form of housing, with four units on a single lot.”

Increasing demand is seeing new solutions being pitched to house an influx of people expected over the next 25 years.

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A consultant recently theorized the City needed to continue its record-setting pace for building starts if it were to meet skyrocketing interest in moving to the region.

Two duplexes are on this lot at the corner of Prideaux and Hecate St., the more traditional route for multiple family homes in a smaller area. (Google Maps)

The pitch for the Haliburton St. property is a new twist on an old classic involving duplexes or other multi-family buildings sharing a common wall.

Holm pointed to a property on the corner of Prideaux St. and Hecate St. which represents more of the norm for the region.

“It’s on a single lot but it’s actually two duplex buildings again on a corner lot, so four units, different form, they are attached at the sides.”

Other examples in the Old City Quarter include on the corner of Albert St. and Milton St. which has four units attached on the sides.

On a Milton St. property seven units are located on a single lot.

Holm told NanaimoNewsNOW deciding on the appropriate type of build comes down to a few factors, including market demand, the design of the land and cost.

“Depending on the parcel fabric, the layout, it’s possible to build separated units and still achieve fairly efficient use of the land. There’s obviously a market consideration and probably a demand for separate units.”

Parking is typically a main issue facing developers when discussing an increase in density on already crowded residential streets.

More families typically equal more cars, however Holm said developers find a way.

“It’s definitely possible. There’s definitely constraints depending on the unit sizes, the open space, the parking needs, parcel configuration and zoning. There are a number of constraints and opportunities that parcels present.”

The City took an additional step toward density in 2008 with a bylaw amendment to legalize carriage homes.

Carriage homes are described as a secondary-suite, self-contained living unit, which can be built into an existing property or as a separate building, as long as it meets certain requirements set out by the city and the B.C. Building Code.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow