Laneway and Garden Suites refers to a Secondary Suite which is separated/detached from the Primary Dwelling. It can be above or beside a garage or self-contained in the rear of the lot. Laneway housing is accessed from a rear laneway, while a garden suites are accessed from the front street via a sidewalk or driveway. Other names for this type of housing include granny flats, garage suites, carriage or coach houses.
Laneway and garden housing is important because it provides an option for intensification and housing choice in existing neighbourhoods that fits with the existing form and scale of buildings, as well as the neighbourhood fabric. Laneways are found in many neighbourhoods in Regina, and are often lined with garages or other accessory buildings. This provides a key opportunity to turn these accessory buildings into livable spaces without changing the character of the neighbourhood. Where no laneway exists, there may still be an opportunity to establish a garden suite without impacting neighbourhood character.
Benefits include: an alternative to secondary suites inside the Primary Dwelling; options for rental and more affordable housing in existing neighbourhoods; more compact and complete communities; additional residents in the neighbourhood to support local businesses and amenities; efficient use of existing services and infrastructure; opportunities for supplementary income for the property owner; increased safety and beautification of residential laneways; and the ongoing renewal and revitalization of established neighbourhoods.
From Regina Pilot Project
