Coldstream Valley (photo / District of Coldstream)

By Kevin Rothwell

Measured response

Coldstream responds to criticism on housing diversity

Mar 11, 2021 | 5:15 AM

Coldstream council will respond directly to its own citizens with respect to actions the district is taking to diversify housing inventory in the community.

The response comes after public criticism from Vernon council and some Coldstream residents that feel the district isn’t doing enough to provide more affordable housing options. The issue has come to a head after the regional housing needs assessment showed Coldstream was dominated by single family homes that were the most expensive in the region.

Council’s response will be included in the district’s newsletter to residents.

“I think it would be a benefit to review this again when the Official Community Plan (OCP) is up for review,” Coun. Stephanie Hoffman said.

The Coldstream OCP isn’t scheduled for review until after the 2022 November civic elections.

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“I think that after talking with many people, on one side of it, on everything from carriage houses to smaller lots, there is a very strong opinion that people like what they have,” Mayor Jim Garlick said. “I was surprised, and it was from varying ages.”

The district is moving ahead with new regulations around carriage housing and secondary suites.

“We are doing this, but avoiding pushback from the community. We are taking measured steps. We are allowing carriage houses to go forward, we are now looking at development permits at the advisory planning commission,” Garlick added. “We are seeing what fits in the community.”