Project Foundations

This project is guided by previous work completed for RDN Zoning Bylaw 2500, 2024 and the 2025-2029 Climate Action Plan.

Housing:

During the preparation of Bylaw 2500, the RDN considered the challenges with building strata registration and consequences for property owners. Part of the direction on building strata is to provide owners with an alternative tenure. By amending parcel size, many existing owners will have the option to make a subdivision application to create a fee simple parcel. While other servicing requirements must still be demonstrated through the subdivision process, it removes the policy and regulatory barrier from the consideration of an application. Direction provided by the RDN Board through this project is that the parcel size change will not increase the potential number of dwelling units under existing zoning.

Climate:

A priority action of the 2025-2029 Climate Action Plan (from the RDN Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee) is understanding how climate change, populations growth and water demand will impact local water resources and regional water security. To work towards a regional understanding of cumulative impacts on groundwater resources, with climate and growth projections, the RDN can identify and plan for potential impacts to common groundwater sources. In alignment with this direction, this project anticipates demand from on groundwater from residential development that may occur under existing zoning and amended 1.0 hectare parcel size scenario.