Housing
The Issue
A unit count tells us how many homes have been approved. It does not tell us whether those homes provide enough light, privacy, storage, outdoor space or flexibility to support daily life.
My Position
We need thoughtful, creative design across every type of housing, including market, rental and non-market homes. Better design should create homes that work for different households, abilities and stages of life.
What Council Can Do
Within its legal authority, Council can establish clear form and character expectations, support accessible and adaptable design, improve public-realm connections and remove unnecessary rules that prevent creative solutions.
What I Would Advocate For
Encourage family-sized, accessible and adaptable homes, practical storage, usable outdoor space, natural light and layouts that can change as residents’ needs change.
Costs and Consequences
Higher expectations can affect project cost or feasibility. Requirements should be clear, evidence-based and focused on features that create meaningful long-term value for residents.
Questions That Still Need Answers
Which design features matter most to Esquimalt residents? Which requirements improve liveability without making projects unworkable? How will we know whether new homes are serving a wider range of households?
Sources and Further Reading
Local Rules and Evidence
Ready-to-use Canadian designs emphasizing accessibility, adaptability, energy performance, climate resilience and feasibility.
A British Columbia six-home courtyard design with shared space and optional adaptable units.
Practical guidance for multi-unit homes usable by people with different abilities.
Statistics Canada: Housing experiences of people with disabilities
Evidence explaining why accessible housing is essential to independent living.
Ideas Worth Examining
City of Vancouver: Family Room housing mix policy
Vancouver uses family-unit targets in qualifying rezoning projects to create more two- and three-bedroom homes.
City of Portland: Residential Infill Project findings
Portland combined additional housing choices with limits on building size, accessibility measures and affordability incentives.
CONNECTED DECISIONS
Connected Decisions
No major community decision happens in isolation.
Housing
How new homes fit the community and what they require.
Community Plan
Where housing fits, how neighbourhoods connect and what natural and public spaces are protected.
Growth
What infrastructure and public services development requires, and who pays for them.
Spending
What a decision costs today, how it is funded and what obligations follow.
Ask Holly About This
Have a question or perspective to share? Please get in touch.