ELK POINT — Could an apartment above a downtown business help create more housing in Elk Point without taking away valuable commercial space?

That’s one of the possibilities Town Council is exploring as it considers changes to its Land Use Bylaw that would allow more flexibility for residential development in commercial areas.

During its November 9 regular meeting, council reviewed proposed amendments dealing with mixed-use development and surveillance suites, two options that could create additional housing opportunities while maintaining space for local businesses.

The changes aren’t approved yet. Council is moving the proposed amendments through the bylaw process, with public hearings scheduled for December 14, 2026.

Keeping businesses on the main floor

One of the main ideas behind the proposed changes is allowing commercial and residential uses to share a building.

That could mean a business operating on the main floor with residential units above it, making better use of existing buildings and commercial properties.

The discussion focused on ensuring residential development doesn’t come at the expense of the Town’s commercial areas.

Elk Point wants to encourage more housing, but council also recognizes the importance of protecting space for storefronts, offices and other businesses.

Under the proposed approach, commercial uses would remain an important part of mixed-use development rather than allowing residential space to completely replace business activity.

For property owners, the changes could provide more options for developing or adapting buildings while contributing to the Town’s housing supply.

What is a surveillance suite?

Council also considered amendments involving surveillance suites.

Unlike a conventional apartment, a surveillance suite is residential accommodation associated with a commercial or industrial property, generally intended for someone responsible for overseeing or maintaining the premises.

These suites can be useful for businesses that require someone to live on-site for security, maintenance, or operational purposes.

The proposed amendments would clarify how and where these accommodations could be permitted under Elk Point’s Land Use Bylaw.

They would not automatically allow residential development on every commercial or industrial property. Any future development would still need to meet the applicable land-use requirements and approval processes.

More housing options without losing commercial opportunities

The discussion comes as Elk Point continues to look for ways to encourage development and attract investment.

Housing availability is part of that conversation.

Providing more flexibility in how properties can be developed could create opportunities for building owners and investors, particularly where a combination of residential and commercial space makes sense.

At the same time, council is considering how those changes could affect the long-term use of commercial land.

The goal is to provide more options without unintentionally reducing the space available for businesses.

It’s a balancing act, particularly for a smaller community where both housing and commercial development are important to future growth.

Residents will have their say December 14

The proposed amendments will return for public hearings on December 14.

Those hearings will give residents, property owners and business operators an opportunity to provide feedback before council makes its final decisions.

For now, the changes remain proposals.

If adopted, they could give Elk Point property owners additional ways to make use of commercial buildings while creating more places for people to live.

And for a community looking to grow, making better use of the buildings and land already available could be one more piece of the puzzle.