At the City Initiatives and Planning Committee on January 21st, Council received a report for information on the Delegation Response on Renewal Homes. In June 2023, staff were directed to report back on the feasibility of various items to promote the reuse of existing buildings as a sustainable practice. 

Notable updates staff provided on the following included: 

• Create and Promote ‘Early Green Removal Permits’: 
• Staff have been working on opportunities to streamline the deconstruction permit application process. Coordination of the deconstruction permit process with the Highway Use Permit (HUP) process is one action that has been taken to accelerate permitting. 
• To further encourage relocating homes staff will be including in the next Building Bylaw update a reduction in the percentage of estimated value to 60% of homes within the surrounding area. This update will be brought to Council for consideration as part of the 2025 work plan. 
• Strengthen the ‘Refundable Demolition Deposit’: 
• The fee could be modestly changed. A fee that is too high would be punitive to homeowners. Staff do not recommend a change at this time and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of this deposit. 
• Require ‘Responsible Removal Assessment’ on Demolition Application: 
• The term demolition was replaced with deconstruction on all city communication and forms.  
• Create Density Bonusing Incentives: 
• The City could consider density bonus incentives during the review of the density bonus policy. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.