Media Release - Secondary Suite Incentive Extended

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 – West Vancouver, BC: Council has given preliminary approval to extend the deadline to register secondary suites under alternative life saving standards. The new deadline of November 30, 2011 has been given first, second and third readings. Final adoption is anticipated Thursday, May 19, 2011. The alternative life saving standards incentive program means that owners will not have to comply with the full BC Building Code which could result in costly renovations, such as the installation of a full sprinkler system. The alternative life saving standards ensure a safe suite for tenants, without significant burden to the home owner.

The secondary suite program was launched in March 2010 to authorize existing suites and expand the range of housing options in the community. Since the program began, 370 applications have been made and over 210 suites have been inspected and approved.

After the incentive expires, owners will be required to comply with the full BC Building Code Standards which may incur extra costs as a result of necessary renovations. An alternative to registering a suite is decommissioning. This is an option for home owners who do not wish to have a legal suite in their home. It is a simple process that involves removing the cooking facilities and completing a declaration. For more information please call 604-925-7152 or visit westvancouver.ca/secondarysuite. 

About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.

Media Contact:
Jessica Delaney, Director of Communications
Cell: 604-360-8131
Direct: 604-925-4736