After many requests by EFCL to make family friendly infill housing a priority, the Executive Committee of Council finally directed City Administration to review the definition of family-oriented housing and to report on options to promoting family friendly infill housing.   

City Administration included most of EFCL’s research and strategies in their September 21^st report to Council.   They included nearly all essential elements of family oriented housing which we recommended.  However, they did not include ‘superior soundproofing’, and ‘adequately sized’ play areas in their definition of family oriented housing. 

Executive Committee passed a motion that Administration return to a future City Council Public Hearing with proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw with the revised definition of Family-Oriented dwelling as outlined in the September report.    They also passed a motion directing Administration to return to Executive Committee, by March 2012, with a report outlining options to provide incentives (financial and non-financial) for building three and four bedroom units in multi-storey buildings.  

EFCL will want to ensure that incentives are provided only for large units which have all the essential elements of family-oriented housing, including adequate play space and superior soundproofing, as well as additional family friendly designs outlined in our Child/Family Friendly Housing Guidelines.   Well designed infill family housing is the goal.