The Portage la Prairie City Planning Committee proposed an amendment to a zoning bylaw which was given first reading in June.

City councillor Preston Meier says the city gave second and third reading for the amendment this week, and outlines the need for such a bylaw. 

Councillor Preston Meier "Any type of a growing city, especially when there's lack of vacancies. . . we understand that there's a lot of apartments, housing developments and residential developments that are coming on board," notes Meier. "It's nice to be able to have other outlets and ways and means, as long as the conditions are complied to."

He says a conditional use variance was the topic, making it a conditional use issue.

"It's only, of course, allowed in RR which is rural residential," continues Meier. "R1 which is your single-family dwelling units, and R160, which is a 60-foot lot. It's not allowed in R2 or R3 as a result. They're family dwelling zones, anyway."

He adds this will mean that anyone desiring a secondary suite would have to first apply for conditional use, then comply to the conditions that are in the bylaw, followed by letter that would be sent to neighbours within a 100-metre radius to submit word for or against the application. Meier stresses this was not anything to do with any particular secondary suite case but was given first reading back in June for the general amendment.