The City of Grande Prairie is holding a public hearing on proposed amendments to the regulations governing secondary suites on June 3, 2024.

At the hearing, residents who are interested may share their opinions with Council regarding the proposed amendments. Council will then discuss and decide on the proposed amendments after the hearing concludes.

“The public hearing provides residents with an opportunity to ask Council questions, to express their viewpoints and perspectives and to learn more about the proposed amendments, thus playing a significant role in guiding Council's decision-making process," said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton.

The proposed bylaw amendments include the following:

·Allowing secondary suites in semi-detached dwellings, expanding beyond single detached dwellings.

·Expanding density limits in neighborhoods, increasing eligibility for secondary suites from 20% to approximately 50% of homes.

·Removing floor area restrictions for basement suites, eliminating the 40% maximum occupancy rule.

·Eliminating minimum lot width requirements and adjusting bedroom allowances based on lot size to enable larger suites on larger lots.

·Reducing parking requirements to one space less than the number of bedrooms.

·Permitting backyard suites, not restricted to detached garages, also known as garden suites.

Open Houses

In preparation for the public hearing, residents are invited to attend three informational open houses where they can ask City Administration questions and learn more about the proposed changes. The sessions are drop-in format and take place during the following dates and times:

·May 22, 2024 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Teresa Sargent Hall

·May 28, 2024 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Teresa Sargent Hall

·May 29, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Teresa Sargent Hall

For more information on the proposed secondary suite regulations, please visit cityofgp.com/SuiteBylawUpdate

Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie