The Alignment of the Cottage Housing Land Use District was received for information during the Dec. 8 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Cottage housing refers to a grouping of small dwelling units clustered around a common area and developed with a coherent plan for the entire site.
“We don’t have it in the city now, and it’s not a common type of housing,” said the Sr. Manager of Planning & Growth Community Growth & Infrastructure, Jeff Gibeau.
City staff is currently preparing to receive subdivision and development related applications for sites that are allocated as Direct Control Residential Cottage Housing District.
“Cottage housing is part of a community’s overall housing strategy which intends to encourage affordability, innovation, and variety in housing design and site development, ensure compatibility with existing neighborhoods, and to promote a variety of housing choices to meet the needs of a population diverse in age, income, household composition, and individual needs,” Gibeau said.
Cottage housing clusters are located in low-density areas, overall have less square footage, and are grouped around an area such as a courtyard, sitting area, or a shared amenity, with pathway access to other amenities within the community.
“Overall, the theme of residential housing diversification has led to the incorporation of this innovative residential development type,” Gibeau said.
Adding, “It’s about residential diversity.”
In September 2017, the BridgePort Outline Plan was adopted by bylaw and indicates that housing clusters are single-detached housing forms located around common green space with at least one facade exposed to a common green space.
“The introduction of cottage housing aligns with BridgePort’s goals of providing a diverse offering of housing products that may attract varying demographics,” Gibeau said.
In the BridgePort Outline Plan, the specific parcel of land is utilized and located in close proximity to the future town centre and commercial high street, allowing residents to walk to daily needs. A neighbourhood park to the northeast of the site offers residents recreational opportunities, also within close proximity.
In January 2018, the Dawson’s Landing Outline Plan was presented to council for first reading. The plan allocated two locations for Direct Control Residential Cottage Housing District.
“The Direct Control Residential Cottage Housing District is an important housing form that contributes towards the Dawson’s Landing guiding principles of providing unique and innovative housing forms while maintaining the charm of Chestermere,” Gibeau said.
“This was accomplished by strategically locating multi-unit, mixed-use, and cottage cluster dwellings in appropriate locations. Overall, the utilization of this Cottage Housing District works toward accommodating a variety of housing forms available to all demographics,” he said.
Adding, “The specific parcels where the Cottage Housing District is utilized are located in close proximity to future commercial areas and to the EcoPark and wetland park, allowing residents to walk to daily needs.”
