BARRHEAD – The Town of Barrhead is taking a proactive approach to address growing housing needs with the launch of a comprehensive Housing Strategy, presented at the March 25 council meeting.
The strategy outlines a series of short-, medium-, and long-term actions aimed at increasing the supply and diversity of housing options for residents across a range of income levels.
“As a municipality, we’ve seen increasing demand for housing options at various income levels,” said Jenny Bruns, director of planning, economic development and legislative services. “We have an insufficient amount of housing units.”
The draft plan includes historical housing data, strategic goals, and a detailed action plan. It emphasizes community engagement, stakeholder partnerships, and coordination with other levels of government to support housing development and affordability.
Community input will play a key role in shaping the final plan. Open houses are planned to encourage resident feedback, and a communication strategy will be developed to keep the public informed of updates and changes.
The town has already begun working on several action items, including reviewing its land inventory and identifying potential partnerships with private developers. Process reviews and land use analysis will help pave the way for more diverse housing types.
Bruns noted that the strategy builds on Alberta’s 2021 affordable housing framework, which aims to add 25,000 households over the next decade. Research from other municipalities and collaboration with organizations like the Barrhead & District FCSS Society also informed the local plan.
Defined roles and responsibilities within the plan clarify what the Town will oversee directly and which elements will rely on external partners.
At the meeting, several councillors expressed support for the strategy. Councillor Dave Sawatzky praised the proposal’s depth and the inclusion of a communications plan to keep residents engaged.
Deputy Mayor Ty Assaf raised questions about how the Housing Strategy will influence the Municipal Planning Commission’s review of the Land Use Bylaw. Bruns responded that additions to the bylaw may be considered as opportunities emerge through the strategy.
Economic factors were also discussed. Councillor Klumph highlighted the impact of the Alberta living wage and the lack of high-paying jobs in Barrhead, particularly in neighbourhoods like Beaverbrook. Bruns acknowledged these challenges, including pressures from potential tariffs, but emphasized that development is ongoing.
Between 2015 and 2019, 61 per cent of residential development applications were for higher-density options such as duplexes, mobile homes, and basement suites. That figure rose to 72 per cent between 2020 and 2024. Since the current Land Use Bylaw was implemented, 12 amendments—mostly related to rezoning for higher density—have been made.
Council unanimously adopted the draft Housing Strategy as presented.
