Regina City Council Approves Urgent Change for Manufactured Homes

UPDATE: Regina’s City Council has just voted to expand housing options by allowing manufactured homes in all residential areas, a significant shift aimed at addressing the city’s housing crisis. The council’s decision, made during a heated session on November 29, 2023, passed with an 8-3 vote and is set for final approval at the next meeting on December 4, 2023.

This pivotal change opens up neighborhoods across Regina to manufactured homes, which were previously restricted to just two locations: Glen Elm and Argyle Park. The new regulations amend the 2019 Regina Zoning Bylaw, redefining manufactured homes as “a transportable structure placed atop a permanent frame” designed for long-term living.

City Councillor Victoria Flores, who sponsored the motion, emphasized the positive impact of this change on housing affordability. “This is a really positive step forward,” she stated. “The restrictive zoning limited options for many families that might otherwise be priced out of housing.”

The decision comes in the wake of recent evictions in the Glen Elm Trailer Park, where over 150 residents were displaced after their water lines were cut. Randall Edge, a resident representative, called the zoning change “a wonderful idea,” expressing hope that many of those evicted will now have the opportunity to return to Regina with their homes.

Opposition to the plan was voiced by councillors Clark Bezo and Dan Rashovich, who raised concerns about potential impacts on property values and neighborhood aesthetics. Bezo warned that allowing manufactured homes in affluent areas could lower property values, stating, “I fear that we could take a neighborhood with million-dollar properties and devalue it with 16-foot manufactured homes.”

However, Mayor Chad Bachynski defended the initiative, asserting that manufactured homes do not equate to cheap housing. He confirmed that the size and value of manufactured homes would be proportionate to the lots they occupy, assuring residents that safety and aesthetic standards will be upheld.

The move to expand residential zoning comes amid ongoing discussions about housing affordability in Regina, where many families struggle to find suitable living options. The council’s decision reflects a growing recognition of the need for diverse housing solutions in the face of escalating real estate prices.

As Regina prepares for the final vote on this groundbreaking zoning amendment, residents and housing advocates alike are watching closely. The implications of this decision could reshape the housing landscape in Regina, providing new opportunities for families in need and potentially revitalizing neighborhoods affected by recent evictions.

Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this developing story, including the outcome of the crucial vote on December 4.