Tiny homes coming to West Nipissing
Council agrees to explore reducing minimum dwelling size.
This week, council had a discussion regarding allowing tiny homes in the municipality. Councillor Katelyn Nicol brought the agenda item forward after hearing from many of her constituents.
She stated that many have bought properties in West Nipissing and would like to legally build a tiny home but as of now, the zoning bylaws do not allow them to.
Currently, residents wishing to build a house in most residential zones must meet a 750 square foot minimum (70 sq. metres).
Nicol noted that lowering the minimum building size works in favour of environmental and energy use initiatives. Smaller houses create less land use disturbances and require significantly less resources to construct. She added that many residents neither need nor want a larger home that burdens them with cleaning, maintenance and energy costs for empty or unused spaces.
Councillor Georges Pharand strongly agreed with Nicol’s proposal saying that if residents wish to legally build a smaller home that meets building standards, the municipality shouldn’t stand in their way. Pharand did his own research and informed council that the current Ontario Building Code allows dwellings as small as 188 square feet (17.5 sq. metres). The current building code allows an “open-concept design” home to be this small. A tiny home with a separated bedroom requires approximately 230 square feet (22 sq. metres). Pharand suggested that the municipality simply follow the provincial guidelines.
Most other councillors spoke up in agreement with Nicol’s proposal. Staff informed council that the municipality is due to undertake a full zoning bylaw review this year and that this change could be prioritized.
Mayor Kathleen Thorne-Rochon ended the discussion by suggesting that in the meantime, residents can still apply for minor zoning variances if they do have plans for a tiny home.
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Bravo Ms. Nicol
Dismantle these gluttonous pay to play, pay to live cash grab systems of revenue are the trends as people become more aware of their purposes and redundancy. If it's not hurting neighbor or environmental peace, then live and let live.