Residents in Burnaby, B.C., have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the increasing size of new multiplex homes being built in the area, prompting city councillors to revise the regulations governing construction.
As a result of the public outcry, multiplex homes in Burnaby will now be smaller in size and will be required to provide more on-site parking spaces.
Last July, Burnaby, a city with a population of approximately 250,000 located east of Vancouver, adopted multiplex housing following a provincial mandate that required most municipalities in British Columbia to allow between four and six homes on single-family lots.
Previously limited to single-family residential lots, multiplex homes, including laneway homes, triplexes, quadplexes, and cottage courts, are now permitted on any of Burnaby’s 31,000 single-family lots.
Under Burnaby’s multiplex bylaw, builders were allowed to construct homes up to four storeys high. However, following a recent council decision, future multiplexes will now be capped at three storeys, with floor areas reduced by 33 to 60 percent.
Some residents in Burnaby, B.C., are concerned new multiplex homes aren’t fitting into existing neighbourhoods. As Johna Baylon reports, city council has agreed the heights and sizes for future small-scale multi-unit developments should be reduced.
Additionally, developers will now be required to provide a higher minimum amount of on-site parking spaces.
‘Ugly monstrosities’
Tim O’Meara, a retired professional engineer and Burnaby resident, only became aware of the allowance for multiplex homes when construction began on one across the street from his residence.
Expressing concern over the massive size of the new constructions, O’Meara described them as “extraordinary” compared to the previous small bungalow on the site.
Concerned about the impact on property values and visual aesthetics in the neighborhood, O’Meara emphasized the need for better planning.
Kathy Corrigan, a former B.C. MLA and Burnaby resident, admitted to being a “NIMBY” (not in my backyard) and voiced her opposition to the towering multiplex constructions in her area.