In an effort to increase the availability of housing in Jasper, many homeowners will now have the option to develop a secondary suite for long-term rental within their home.
A secondary suite is a self-contained living space that is within the primary home, has its own kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities, and is rented at a minimum on a monthly basis.
Beginning March 2, 2020, homeowners may apply to Parks Canada for a permit to build a secondary suite in their homes, or to rent an existing suite that is not yet permitted.
The development of secondary suites will be allowed in the majority of the townsite, with the exception of multi-unit dwelling districts, such as apartment buildings and townhouses, and non-residential districts.
This change is the result of a new interim policy designed to promote more affordable housing for the community, and is based on public feedback received at open houses held in 2018 and 2019.
Parks Canada continues to explore additional policy changes, including the option to develop a suite聽within a detached garage or other small living space on a property, such as a carriage home or garden suite.
"This is one of many initiatives that will have a positive impact on the number of rental units available in Jasper," said Parks communications officer Steve Young in a press release.
"Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper, and the Jasper Community Housing Corporation are committed to improving the availability of housing, while respecting the development footprint in place for the townsite.
"This means using available land parcels in the best way possible and increasing density, while preserving the architectural appeal of a beautiful mountain town."
Homeowners with an interest in knowing more about secondary suites have an opportunity to drop by聽the Parks Canada Administration Office on March 5, 2020. Open hours are 9聽a.m.聽to 12聽p.m.聽and 2聽p.m.聽to 7聽p.m.聽at Parks Canada Administration Office in the Heritage Train Station on Connaught Drive.
Realty and Municipal Services staff will be available to answer questions about this new option.
