Elk Point council is being asked to review a new regional housing strategy, with local discussion already pointing toward more smaller homes, infill development and better use of existing housing stock.

The strategy, led by ISL Engineering Consultants, examines housing needs across the County of St. Paul, the Town of Elk Point, the Town of St. Paul, and the Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay.

CAO Darrell Lessmeister told council the reports are meant to help municipalities identify housing gaps and strengthen future applications for provincial and federal funding.

He said one of the major findings is that a large share of the region’s housing stock consists of single-detached homes, many occupied by only one or two people.

“There was some interesting information even at the meeting stating is that we have a lot of single housing,” Lessmeister said. “I think it was 68 per cent single dwelling and within the single dwelling there is one or two individuals in almost 70, 80 per cent of all the housing.”

That sparked discussion around whether the bigger issue is not a total lack of housing, but a mismatch between what exists and what residents now need.

Lessmeister said the report examines ideas such as infill development, more flexible rules, and housing options that better suit seniors or smaller households.

“Maybe the question is on that single dwelling is that there be more rental, more flexibility, have more rentals and also relax the parking and some of the regulations,” he said.

Councillor Jason Boorse said the public feedback in the report aligned with what he had already been hearing locally.

“I did like the push by the public … seeing a lot more smaller scale houses too,” Boorse said. “There could be a market for smaller scale housing again.”

Council did not debate the report in detail at the meeting, instead agreeing members would email their comments to administration before they are sent back to the consultants.

Pool of existing homes part of the conversation

Lessmeister said the strategy also points toward repurposing and transitioning existing homes, especially as the population ages.

He said that could include creating options for seniors who want to stay in the community but no longer need a detached house.

“If you can show there’s a demand, then maybe we can access some developers too,” he said.