REGINA — Manufactured homes will likely soon be allowed across the City of Regina.
In an 8-3 vote on Wednesday, city council has approved changes to the Regina Zoning Bylaw to allow manufactured homes in all permitted residential neighbourhood zones. However, council didn’t reach unanimous consent on the third reading of the amended bylaw, meaning the bylaw cannot be passed until the next meeting on December 3.
Previously, manufactured homes had only been allowed in two areas — one in Glen Elm and one in Argyle Park.
Ward 6 Coun. Victoria Flores, who put in a motion back in March for administration to make room in the city for manufactured homes, said she’s happy to see progress made, but noted the outcome of the Glen Elm court trailer can’t be undone.
The court’s property owner started evicting families from the area in late April, citing water and sewage pipe issues.
Dozens of those former residents now make up the Glen Elm Retirement Community Residents Association, including president Randall Edge.
“Families have chosen to live here, we’re homeowners here, we’re taxpayers here. We want to stay here,” said Edge.
Edge said nearly 120 families from the former trailer court have left Regina.
With this updated zoning bylaw, Edge said it would allow families to stay in Regina, as opposed to moving farther away.
City administration has outlined each manufactured home will be required to meet Canadian Standards Association guidelines.
Additionally, property owners of the homes will be required to ensure that it fits the size of the lot and meet height requirements.
Like other homes, the city will review and hand out permits to homes which meet zoning guidelines.
Once installed, property owners would require an inspection to submit to the city to ensure the property movement and installation meet required codes.
Ward 4 Coun. Mark Burton, who voted against the motion, expressed support for manufactured homes, but worried some property owners could take advantage of lack of characteristics needed.
“I’m worried about that person down the road who doesn’t care, who’s out from outside the city, who’s trying to develop the cheapest thing they can get and plop it on a lot where it doesn’t fit.”
Ward 10 Coun. Clark Bezo, who also voted against, believed this motion was being rushed and felt a manufactured home would decrease property value in neighbourhoods.
“I fear we could take a neighbourhood with million-dollar properties and put 16-foot manufactured homes on that lot, devaluing neighbourhoods.”
However, administration indicated there’s been no evidence to suggest manufactured homes will decrease the value of properties nearby.
As for other cities with widespread manufactured homes, Yellowknife is the only Canadian city to allow manufactured homes broadly, noted administration.
Although, administration indicated Build Canada Homes is supportive of manufactured homes since they’re affordable and faster to construct, so other cities are considering allowing more widespread prefabricated homes.
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