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MD of Foothills Feature A8 – A9 House of real estate
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FREE may 30 to june 5 2014 issue 04-21
real estate news from industry experts
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second and long Mayor Nenshi addresses city’s secondary suites battle Cody Stuart
managing editor
I
t was one of the biggest issues heading into his first campaign. It came up again during his second successful run at office. And now, Mayor Naheed Nenshi is prepared to take a run at the contentious topic of secondary suites one more time. A persistent debate at City Hall, citywide acceptance of the suites is more important today than ever, with Calgary’s rental vacancy rate sitting at “close to zero,” the mayor said. “It’s been essential for a long time, but there’s no question that we’re in a housing crisis at the moment, particularly as it pertains to affordable and entry-level housing,” said Nenshi. “And secondary suites are a market solution for that, not a government-driven solution. That’s one of the reasons they’re so important.” Most recently, a motion by thenalderman John Mar to legalize suites across the city was defeated by a 9-6 vote last July.
Secondary suites are currently only permitted in areas zoned RC2, and largely prohibited in areas zoned RC1. That leaves much of the city off-limits for suites. Four inner-city councillors have launched a bid that would see zoning limits on the suites lifted on all singlefamily homes in Wards 7, 8, 9 and 11. Led by Ward 7 Coun. Druh Farrell, the notice of motion will go to council on June 9. In addition to meeting zoning requirements, homeowners wishing to develop or have a legal secondary suite must ensure the building and property meet specific requirements regarding window size, entrance access and even the number of furnaces in the home. If a home doesn’t meet zoning restrictions, homeowners must file an appeal with the City. A recent study by the Calgary Journal showed just eight of the 20 appeals filed during Nenshi’s first term were approved by the City. Having made the issue a priority during his first campaign, Nenshi has called City Hall`s inability to gain greater acceptance for secondary suites one of the biggest policy failures of his first term. Instead, he’s had to settle for what he calls a “series of first downs” that have seen suites legalized in all new communities and a possible easing of the fee structure involved with approving a suite.
secondary suites A3
three part secondary suites series last week: Financial Impact
this week: Update from city hall
june 7: city by city comparison
kelsey hipkin, Reporter/Photographer
SINGLE FAMILY
MLS® AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET* APR ‘12 – APR ‘14
49 41
51 47
45
43 42 43
38 37 36
39 37 37 37 38
37 34 31 31
29
27
25
APR12 MAY12 JUN12 JUL12 AUG12 SEP12 OCT12 NOV12 DEC12 JAN13 FEB13 MAR13 APR13 MAY13 JUN13 JUL13 AUG13 SEP13 OCT13 NOV13 DEC13 JAN14 FEB14 MAR14 APR14
33
40
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
ASPEN MEADOWS ESTATES
$1,530,000
Custom Built - One of a Kind!
Over 4800 sq. ft. of exquisite upgrades & luxury living space. Gourmet chef’s kitchen, premium granite, custom hardwood.
City of calgary contents commemorating news briefs 2013 flood community
Stunning 2280 sq. ft. bungalow fully developed. Triple garage + 17’ x 24’ workshop. MLS®C3615050
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he City of Calgary is commemorating the anniversary of last year’s flood, with a special event June 20 at the Calgary Municipal Building. “This is an opportunity for sombre reflection on the floods that struck Calgary and the continued impact on many in our community,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “It’s important to acknowledge the flood anniversary, while we continue to move onward, working together to rebuild and recover.” The commemoration ceremony will include guests and dignitaries reflecting on last year’s catastrophic event.
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CiMArrON ESTATES iN OkOTOkS
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