Strathmore Town Council have removed garage and garden suites from the town's Land Use Bylaw.
On Wednesday (June 4) council members discussed amending Land Use Bylaw No. 14-11, which allows residents to build garage and garden suites on their property without needing to apply for them.
Several councillors supported the idea of removing the garage and garden suites, including Brent Wiley.
"My opinion stands as this now: living downstream from Calgary, no amount of housing we build will ever make this town more or less affordable. There's 1.4 million people living there, and it's growing at 100,00 people a year. The demand will stay regardless of the supply," said Wiley.
"It doesn't go with the small town feel that we have. It adds to density and overcrowding. It increases traffic and parking issues."
Other councillors voiced their opposition to removing the blanket rezoning, such as Richard Wegener.
"While I initially voted for it, I'm not going to support this motion tonight," said Wegener. "I do think that certain families and family members may look at it as an issue, and it is discretionary to the planning department. It's an option that's available for people with these garage suites."
Garage and garden suites were amended into the Land Use Bylaw back in July 2024, with the decision being met with opposition from some residents.
Despite this, a survey made by the Town of Strathmore showed that 64 per cent of respondents supported the idea of garden suites in their neighbourhoods.
After discussion amongst council members, the amendment to remove garage and garden suites was passed by council 5-2, with only councillors Wegener and Melissa Langmaid opposing the amendment.
Despite the removal, residents can still apply to create a garage and garden suite.