Updates to the City’s Secondary Suites Program

Secondary suites are an important part of the city’s overall rental housing stock, providing more affordable ground-oriented housing, and contributing to the amount and diversity of housing choice, while maintaining the form and character of residential neighbourhoods. The Secondary Suites Program was introduced in New Westminster in 1998, and updated on September 1, 2021. The updates are intended to simplify the program, while focussing on life safety and liveability requirements. The updates will streamline applications, improve review times, and continue to encourage the creation of new, authorised secondary suites in the City.

Builders and homeowners interested in installing a secondary suite should review the updated requirements and Guide, available on www.newwestcity.ca/secondary-suites