The City of Castlegar has received $158,215 through the a program administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to support a new housing initiative focused on standardized housing designs, modular and prefabricated construction, and streamlined development approvals.
According to a news release, the funding will support the city’s infill housing program, which aims to make it easier for homeowners, builders, and developers to bring housing projects forward while supporting the community’s long-term housing needs.
The initiative will develop standardized design options for a range of housing types, including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes and fourplexes, helping make housing easier and more affordable to build.
Rather than starting from scratch with a custom design, homeowners, builders, and developers could have access to professionally designed housing options tailored to local conditions, helping reduce design costs, improve certainty, and shorten project timelines.
“Council has long been committed to creating a future with affordable homes for all,” said mayor Maria McFaddin. “This funding gives us another opportunity to take action by reducing barriers and supporting innovative housing solutions. It’s one more way we’re working to increase housing choice, encourage innovation, and help meet the community’s current and future housing needs.”
The project will also explore opportunities to support modular and prefabricated construction and develop resources for builders, manufacturers, and home retailers. Together, these efforts aim to streamline approvals, expand housing choice, and create new opportunities for residents to add housing on their properties.
