At least one Kamloops councillor is expressing concern about proposed changes to the housing rules in this province.’

Under the proposed changes, communities with a population of over 5,000 will be required to allow the creation of laneway homes, while also permitting three and four-plex units to be built on lots currently zoned for single-family use.

Councillor Bill Sarai notes this would mean a big increase in demand for things such as sewer and water.

“If we’re going to build more units on one property, even though the services are there already, you’re still going to have more demands on them,” Sarai said. “Everything the minister has mentioned is above ground. Who is going to pay for the investments underground.”

The changes will also force cities like Kamloops to retool their Official Community Plans to allow for more housing density, while also eliminating one-off public hearings over rezonings for housing developments that are consistent with those community plans.

Sarai says he’s not sure that’s the right move.

“It is going to affect their livelihood,” he said. “If we’re going to increase housing stock in the neighbourhood, how is it going to affect the schools in that area? Is it going to affect the roads, the traffic, and infrastructure.”

“How does that increase the demand on the fire department in that area. The policing, the schools, the shopping centres, the wear and tear on the road. This is all got to be addresses. There has to be growth but it’s got to be managed growth.”

The proposed changes come as Kamloops and 9 other cities in BC are under pressure to hit BC government housing targets or face the risk of having the province take control of their local housing policies.

The changes come as Kamloops and nine other B.C. cities come under provincial pressure to hit new housing targets, or face the possibility of the provincial government take over their local housing policies.