City Council is looking at expanding secondary dwelling construction in North Bay.

It has been allowed in the province since 2011 but has not been very widespread in North Bay.

Manager of Planning Services Beverley Hillier says there’s been more public interest recently to allow increased secondary dwelling construction in North Bay to accommodate senior housing, increased rental housing and residence ownership.

The proposal would put secondary dwellings in the official plan.

Hillier says secondary dwellings would work the same as getting approval for a main dwelling.

“They would have to apply for a building permit or a change of use permit with the planning and building services department. It would get reviewed and evaluated. It would have to be designed appropriately to make sure it meets all the appropriate codes,” she says.

Steve Liddle of the North Bay Real Estate Board likes what the city is planning.

“We’re going to see more people getting into home ownership and moving into higher quality houses,” he says.

Filed under: council, secondary dwelling construction