Exciting times we are living in! Several cities across Canada are making way for laneway housing. While this concept has been around for a long time, busy cities are seeing more and more use of this concept in response to increasing demand for housing and low vacancy rates. In this case a laneway is typically a narrow passage for cars that run behind or beside a home to access a rear or side garage. Laneway houses are typically built on pre-existing lots in the backyard or laneway area, and share city services with the primary property. Cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver are becoming active participants in order to reap the benefits for their cities.
There are several benefits to laneway housing:
Increase Rental Suites
With decreased availability of rental suites, underutilized laneway spaces provide great opportunities to increase rental availability while providing access to established neighborhoods and transit.
Rental Income for Homeowners
Increased rental income opportunities make homeownership a more viable option for new homeowners.
Multi-Generational Living
Laneway housing provides an easy option to keeping family close while maintaining privacy and curbing costs.
Unlock Underutilized Real Estate
Laneways are often unused and neglected spaces in busy cities. Laneway housing can be a way to slow the pace of development while maintaining the integrity and character of the city.
Along with unparalleled benefits, laneway suites inherently have the following concerns:
- Emergency and fire vehicle access
- Increased parking congestion
- Waste and snow removal
- Privacy
- Added density
While some concerns exist regarding laneway housing, they provide much needed benefits to thriving vibrant cities and their inhabitants. For more information about laneway housing in some major cities in Canada, visit the links below: