The idea was for the homes to be 'mortgage helpers' or cheaper way to house elderly parents. Since the citywide policy was passed last year, 89 laneways have been approved and some are already generating complaints.
Vancouver's planning director, Brent Toderain doesn't want to "overreact," but admits that some of the complaints will need to be looked at "as the basis for making some tweaks," to the policy. There are still many positive voices who say that laneway construction makes properties, "much more beautiful and cleaner."
The new form of domicile is proving popular commercially and one of the construction companies responsible, Zagross Construction is planning an open house next month to further stimulate interest.
FULL STORY: Laneway Palaces Generating Complaints

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