Jasper could permit more rental units in town without changing the look of a neighbourhood, according to a Parks Canada report. | F.Dragon photo
Jasper could become a whole lot denser if new zoning regulations are passed.
Jasperites are keen to see regulations change to allow second homes to be built on a lot.
Parks Canada and the Jasper Community Housing Corporation are working together to develop solutions for Jasper’s housing shortage.
“Vacancy rates are near zero,” Parks said in its report.
“Safety is a concern for residents who are living in non-compliant suites, and well-being is a concern for families who face eviction when illegal suites are discovered.”
Plus employers are unable to hire and house staff.
The issues and potential solutions to them were bandied about at an open house in March and a “tremendous” amount of feedback was gathered.
In Jasper, current regulations do not permit Accessory Dwelling Units - independent secondary, smaller dwellings - in any residential zone. They’ve been referred to elsewhere as granny flats or laneway houses.
But in the feedback collected by Parks, everyone wanted to see that changed.
Accessory units could be internal suites like basement suites or detached buildings, or external units like above-garage suites or stand-alone garden suites.
“Jasper could permit more rental units in town without changing the look of a neighbourhood,” the Parks report reads.
Parks said many participants suggested the accessory units should not be used for tourist accommodation.
In Jasper, 10 per cent of homes have private home accommodations (PHAs) - licensed visitor accommodation intended for nightly rentals - at 155 out of 1,580.
Banff and Nelson are at two per cent and have both have put a cap on the number of PHAs.
“The higher percentage of PHAs in Jasper makes it more difficult for people to find rentalhousing,” said Parks in the report.
“It also may inflate the value of homes, making it difficult for buyers to enter the housing market.”
Despite this, 42 per cent of feedback suggested less regulation for PHAs.
Parks said this feedback “will not be used in isolation” and will be part of the Park Management Plan, the new Jasper Community Sustainability Plan, and other key documents and legislation.
