Thursday, March 28, 2024

City of Victoria seeks input into ‘Missing Middle’ housing

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The City of Victoria is asking for additional community feedback into more accessible, middle housing.

“The Missing Middle,” as the City has dubbed it, is about creating housing choices in between single-family homes and mid to high-rise condos, such as houseplexes (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes and sixplexes) and corner townhouses.

Mayor Lisa Helps said that the goal is to get housing built quickly and make it easier for people to stay in the city, where they can stay where they work and shop, and thus support the local economy and its sustainability.

“This is a very important tool in our housing toolkit. We’re keen to have your input on these proposed solutions that will allow people of all ages and different stages of life, and from a diversity of backgrounds to live in our community,” said Helps.

Because building these homes requires rezoning, which the city says requires a long and more complex process, it explains why you don’t see much of this housing, and mostly see older homes replaced by new, more expensive single-family homes far more.

With ‘the missing middle’ only accounting for five per cent of new home construction, the City said Victoria’s Official Community Plan will tackle this by envisioning this type of housing in all neighbourhoods.

“Opening the door to building more Missing Middle housing is one important solution to the current housing crisis,” a press release said.

“Census data shows Victoria continues to lose young families as their housing needs evolve. And it’s not just young families who benefit.”

The City of Victoria is now looking for input to help navigate these important choices and trade-offs.

Visit engage.victoria.ca to learn more and share your feedback through an online Open House and survey or RSVP to participate in an Ask a Planner session.

“Ask a Planner” Online Sessions:

  • Saturday, October 30, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, November 3, noon – 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 9, 6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

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