The island

Denman housing review advances to draft-bylaw stage

The Local Trust Committee asked staff to prepare draft bylaws after reviewing proposed changes to the island’s Official Community Plan and Land Use Bylaw.

The Denman Firestarter · reporting 2026-04-23 · compiled 2026-10-01

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The Denman Island Local Trust Committee asked staff to present draft bylaws for first reading after a special meeting on April 17 focused on the housing review. The minutes say first reading was anticipated in May and would trigger referrals and further community engagement.^[1]

Trustees reviewed draft language on housing, economic activities, guest accommodation, setbacks and subdivision. Among the recorded changes were removing a proposed 10-unit limitation and a Step Code requirement from one housing policy, and removing a proposed maximum floor area of 50 square metres from another.^[1]

Members of the public raised questions about, among other things, the proposed 60-metre distance between residences on one property, housing on Agricultural Land Reserve land, and definitions of affordable and non-market housing.^[1]

The committee endorsed a revised project charter and requested draft bylaws based on decisions made at the meeting. The minutes record those motions as carried; they do not say the draft bylaws received first reading.^[1]

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