BC Assessment suggests there are well over 200,000 secondary suites which could be added to the long term housing market across B.C. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Province expands secondary suite pilot program to cover Regional District of Nanaimo

Jan 30, 2024 | 4:25 PM

NANAIMO — A provincial government program targeting the availability of secondary suites is being expanded to include the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Introduced in September 2023 and set for an April 2024 launch, the Secondary Suites Incentive Program addresses permissibility of secondary suites in homes and funds initiatives to encourage people to develop the areas, making them available in the long-term housing market.

The initial rollout of the program encompassed all urban municipalities in B.C., including Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Expansion will see 16 regional districts added, including the RDN.

“We’re expanding the secondary suite program as part of our Homes for People action plan to support the supply of affordable long-term rentals in even more areas of the province so more people can access below-market housing in urban and rural areas alike,” Housing minister Ravi Kahlon said.

Requirements for expansion included having necessary building bylaws, permit and inspection services across each district.

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Neighbouring districts Alberni-Clayoquot, Strathcona (Comox Valley) and Cowichan Valley are also included in the expansion.

Mount Waddington to the north is the lone regional district on the Island not included.

A guide developed by the province provides guidance for home owners looking to add a secondary suite to their home, as well as management of a rental suite overall.

Additional help is being offered through the program for local government and the permitting process.

Separately, the provincial government are expected to provide a series of standardized home designs to local government this summer in a bid to cut down on permit approval times and costs.

Up to $91 million over three years is set aside from the program.

BC Assessment has indicated upwards of 228,700 units could be rented out as secondary suites across the province.

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