The island

Housing needs dominate Denman trust committee meeting

Four presentations at the Feb. 7 meeting raised housing needs and possible changes to island planning rules.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2023-02-09 · compiled 2026-10-01

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Housing was the focus of four presentations to the Denman Island Local Trust Committee on Feb. 7, including proposals from the Denman Island Housing Action Group, Triple Rock Land Cooperative and Denman Island Women’s Outreach. ^[1]

The Housing Action Group presented a report on housing needs and barriers, with suggestions involving the Official Community Plan, Land Use Bylaw, enforcement practices and approval processes. ^[1]

Triple Rock Land Cooperative said it was exploring five additional units, for a total of 20, and changes that could allow secondary suites in all units. Staff estimated an OCP review typically takes multiple years, while a rezoning application might take at least 12 to 18 months once complete. ^[1]

Denman Island Women’s Outreach presented a report identifying a need for affordable, safe, year-round local housing to help prevent violence against rural women and support economic independence. It proposed a local action committee and a review of the OCP Density Bank. ^[1]

A fourth presentation proposed 13 actions related to the human right to housing, including trauma-informed-practice training for bylaw enforcement staff. Trustees noted that a housing review was ongoing and that relevant material could be sent to Islands Trust planners. ^[1]

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