The City of Grande Prairie is reminding residents of the upcoming public hearing on June 3, 2024, regarding proposed amendments to the regulations for secondary suites.

During the hearing, interested residents can share their opinions with Council regarding the proposed amendments. Following the hearing, Council will discuss and decide on the proposed changes. 

“The public hearing is a valuable opportunity for residents to engage with Council and share their perspectives and opinions on the proposed amendments,” said City of Grande Prairie’s Communications Director, Philip Cooper. “This will enable Council to understand the community’s thoughts before making a decision.”

The proposed changes to the bylaw include the following:

• Allowing secondary suites in semi-detached dwellings, expanding beyond single detached dwellings.
• Expanding density limits in neighbourhoods, 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 

The City is hosting informational open houses ahead of the public hearing for residents to ask City Administration questions and learn more about the proposed changes. The first open house took place May 22, with two more taking place: 

• 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 additional details on the proposed secondary suite regulations, please visit engage.cityofgp.com/secondarysuites.