Letter to the Editor

Have you heard of or watched TV about tiny houses? Well, these are sometimes called coach houses or lane houses, although the latter are a bit bigger. Coach houses are the new trend in affordable housing and they are popping up across Canada. What about here? Cranbrook, too, has a shortage of affordable housing. The city, community organizations and others have joined together to explore options to help in this regard, but I wonder if they’ve considered coach houses?

Coach houses are small homes built above garages or in people’s backyards. In some cities (like Edmonton) they’ve appropriated this term to apply to small apartments. That was not reflective of the true concept!

These tiny homes are no more than 900-1,000-square-foot, coach homes absolutely suit the needs of one or two people maximum. Think that is small? Take a look around the city. There are many, many older houses this size and people raised entire families in them.

Coach houses are super ideas for seniors, young people starting out, a college student or two, and single parents with one child.

Because the homes are independent of the main house on a property, renters have privacy and in many cases, a small garden or even a small pet! And usually, access to the backyard and parking is shared in some agreed manner. Importantly, coach houses are required to be up to building codes. They need inspection.

I believe this is hugely important to respect and protect the dignity of the renters. This also prevents opportunities for more slum-land-lording to develop and yes, we have some here in our city. Coach houses are revenue producers and provide affordable housing. It is a win-win! I wonder what you think? Take a look on-line for coach house/homes in Canada.

Melodie Hull,

Cranbrook

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