Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

Apr 24, 2026 | 1:01 PM

The District of Coldstream could be allowing more housing to go up on farmland.

A district staff report said the zoning bylaw could be amended to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on Agricultural Land Reserve properties that are 2.0 hectares in size or greater.

The report explained that in 2023 the municipality approved a zoning amendment to allow secondary dwellings on properties 4.0 hectares and greater in size, but there had been very little uptake on those projects since that resolution was passed.

“While the idea was initially popular, construction costs are very high,” the report stated.

“With the high costs, ADUs do not make economic sense from a rental perspective. Both permits issued have been for ADUs for family members.”

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It went on to say that, if the municipality did decide to allow ADUs on smaller lots, “[staff does not] believe there will be overwhelming numbers of ADUs constructed in Coldstream” due to high construction costs and limited interest.

If the district were to go ahead with changing the zoning bylaw, it was also recommended that a Development Permit Area be adopted to regulate the floorplate and location of ADUs to minimize their impacts to viable farmland.

It was also recommended that a public hearing be held to gather input from interested or affected parties before advancing the plan to allow ADUs on ARL properties 2.0 hectares or greater.

Coldstream Council will be presented with the proposed amendments for discussion at the meeting Monday, April 27.

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by Liam Verster

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