Sparwood approves provincially mandated zoning amendments

Sparwood's iconic Titan mining truck. (MyEastKootenayNow.com staff)

Sparwood Council has approved amendments to its zoning bylaw that will allow for more housing density in the community.

New provincial legislation allows three to four units on land currently zoned for single-family homes and duplexes and as many as six units near bus stops with frequent transit service for communities with populations of over 5,000.

While Sparwood doesn’t have that population there were other changes that did apply to them.

“The District of Sparwood is required to update its zoning bylaw to include minimum densities,” said Sparwood Planning and Development Director, Patrick Sorfleet.

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“Because our community is under 5,000 people, those minimum densities in single-family neighbourhoods are effectively allowing a suite in the house or in the basement.”

A June 30th deadline for the amendments was set by the province. Communities also have to complete a housing needs report and update their OCP by Dec. 31, 2025.


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