The District of Lake Country continues to work on a process that encourages affordable housing.

Council has given third reading to a bylaw that would establish a registry for secondary and accessory suites.

“We are actually doing something about affordable housing instead of just talking about it,” said Coun. Noreen Guenther.

Guenther believes the registry is important because it will inform property owners of what needs to be done when constructing suites.

“It will be a set of standards to blend in the existing suites and new suites will have to meet standards for safety,” she said.

A suite’s address will have to be clearly visible from the road for emergency vehicles, while the policy establishes water and sewer rates for such units.

The concept of legalizing secondary suites in Lake Country was approved by members of council last year.

“They can be in any single-family residence as long as service requirements are met,” said Mayor James Baker.

Guenther expects secondary suites will become more common as residents look at ways of reducing their own housing costs by launching mortgage-helpers.

“A good way to increase the value of your property, particularly for resale, is if you have a legal secondary suite,” she said.

Lake Country council is also moving ahead with expanded attainable housing in the community.

Council has agreed to pay $1,000 for each unit constructed as part of the 20-residence Project Build initiative.

Project Build provides a down payment of about $45,000 to assist qualified candidates in purchasing a home. On top of this, $5,000 will come from the Central Okanagan Foundation.

Guenther says many residents may earn a decent wage but they still can’t afford to buy a home and this is where Project Build is an asset.

“They have to afford to make the (mortgage) payments but for people who are close to having the down payment, this gives them an extra hand,” she said.

Lake Country was involved in phase one of Project Build, and Baker sees significant benefits beyond someone acquiring their first home.

“It also helps keep our building trades working,” he said.