City Seeks Feedback on Backyard Suite Regulations

Backyard suites - also referred to as laneway and garden suites - are becoming increasingly popular housing options across the country. These are secondary living units in their own structure on a residential lot.

Backyard suites can offer a number of benefits including creating more housing choices, increasing affordability, property-sharing among family members and potential rental income. They also deliver on infill development goals and strategies in the City’s Official Community Plan.  

Pilot projects were completed between 2013-2019, which saw a total of 28 backyard suites built throughout the City in new and mature neighbourhoods. Feedback from the pilot projects suggest there is support for backyard suites as an alternative housing option within Regina.

The City is now seeking input on proposed regulations to permit this type of housing in our community.

Residents are encouraged to visit Regina.ca/backyardsuites to review the draft regulations and provide any feedback by Sunday, January 30.

Input from residents, coupled with the pilot project data and best practices across Canada, will help refine recommendations that will go to Council for consideration in April 2022.