Discussions

Does anyone know anything about the small homes that are being built on 7th Street somewhere..

What are you wanting to know about them?

This article in the Sun might enlighten anyone regarding the status of these homes.  
 
https://www.brandonsun.com/local/council-rejects-detached-garage-suites-proposal-after-backlash-478831953.html

It’s too bad 6 councilors were so short sighted. The developer could have just put a full three bedroom duplex on each lot and not had any consultation at all.  
 
Serves them right for trying anything new!

I was just wondering if they were continue to build them and who was building them.

Evergreen58 said "It’s too bad 6 councilors were so short sighted. The developer could have just put a full three bedroom duplex on each lot and not had any consultation at all.     Serves them right for trying anything new! "

So why didn't they? The developer knows the bylaws let's not be blind here. Would you not have to have your plan approved by Area and Planning? Why would you build something not approved? You are essentially building 6 suites on the same space as approved for 3. What next 3 one bedroom suites on lots cause you can have 3 bedrooms with one suite? What is the point of having bylaws if nobody will follow them. This is a lesson learnt for the developer. You won't get away with everything you try. So now they are stuck with 2 bedroom homes instead of just building a 3 bedroom right off the start. What is the need for this extra suite on the property other than creating a rental suite which they say must be owner occupied. Please tell me the point of that.

as many cities in Canada and USA are squashing this idea of affordable small housing.  
 
We are regulated to death in this country.

Of building in existing residential areas and not bothering to be a good neighbor and consult those who have already invested in the area why not create an area with all new builds where all these 25 ' properties can be in one area? J & G are developing new areas so put them there.

These unit were developed for the purpose of supplying affordable housing for low income families. Having them in existing lots that are near schools, daycares, shopping are ideal for families that may not have readily accessiblty to vehicles.

It’s very expensive for a developer to purchase land, install services and utilities and infrastructure such as roads and parks and be able to deliver “affordable” housing. New developments aren’t cheap!

Exactly. Brandon has been crying for 'affordable housing' for years now. The problem is, affordable means something different to everyone.  
 
Developers cannot offer new affordable / low income housing in new developments since the cost of acquiring land and building is too high there would be no profit. Let's not forget these are businesses, not charities. There is hardly any margin in new construction any more.  
 
Sounds like J&G is trying to listen to what the residents of Brandon have been asking for by attempting this smaller / affordable new housing infill project but in return catch a bunch of flack for it.  
 
Can't blame them for trying !

Just on a larger lot and with more communications with the neighbours. To think 3 duplexes would have been approved without council involvement.

TimHorton said "Exactly. Brandon has been crying for 'affordable housing' for years now. The problem is, affordable means something different to everyone.     Developers cannot offer new affordable / low income housing in new developments since the cost of acquiring land and building is too high there would be no profit. Let's not forget these are businesses, not charities. There is hardly any margin in new construction any more.     Sounds like J&G is trying to listen to what the residents of Brandon have been asking for by attempting this smaller / affordable new housing infill project but in return catch a bunch of flack for it.     Can't blame them for trying ! "

People talk about affordable. What does that mean? I would like to have seen pricing on these units. What are they selling these units for? What would be the extra price for the suite and garage? What they really wanted is a small house with a rental bachelor suite to subsidise the existing mortgage, thus allowing the builder to ask for more money. Plain and simple.  
 
There isn't much room for margins in construction only if you are limited on what you can do.  
 
City wants affordable housing? Allow for mobile home use on infill lots. Why not? Please tell me what the difference is other than some infills are built on a foundation, some slabs, etc.  
 
Yes land is becoming expensive. It can still be reasonable though. What is frustrating to see is buying an area of land, put in roads, lights, sewer, services, etc. Now they sell the lots for say 50 grand. They are not loosing money. Now next year they are 75 grand. Oh...the excuse, costs go up each year. Hmmmmm everything is in place what went up. Year later, lots 100 grand. Wow development costs sure went up. The developer who makes you use their excavating company to dig the basement, use their lumber yard, use their concrete, etc.....oh they are making margins very easily. But....try buying just the lot and say you will be buying everything elsewhere and see where that gets you. Pfft. It isn't about affordable housing, it is about politics and milking it for what you can.  
 
We need city sold lots and allow builders the freedom to shop around and get the best pricing they can to allow for some profit and affordability at the same time.

You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself.

Fishin Guy said "    TimHorton said "Exactly. Brandon has been crying for 'affordable housing' for years now. The problem is, affordable means something different to everyone.     Developers cannot offer new affordable / low income housing in new developments since the cost of acquiring land and building is too high there would be no profit. Let's not forget these are businesses, not charities. There is hardly any margin in new construction any more.     Sounds like J&G is trying to listen to what the residents of Brandon have been asking for by attempting this smaller / affordable new housing infill project but in return catch a bunch of flack for it.     Can't blame them for trying ! " People talk about affordable. What does that mean? I would like to have seen pricing on these units. What are they selling these units for? What would be the extra price for the suite and garage? What they really wanted is a small house with a rental bachelor suite to subsidise the existing mortgage, thus allowing the builder to ask for more money. Plain and simple.     There isn't much room for margins in construction only if you are limited on what you can do.     City wants affordable housing? Allow for mobile home use on infill lots. Why not? Please tell me what the difference is other than some infills are built on a foundation, some slabs, etc.     Yes land is becoming expensive. It can still be reasonable though. What is frustrating to see is buying an area of land, put in roads, lights, sewer, services, etc. Now they sell the lots for say 50 grand. They are not loosing money. Now next year they are 75 grand. Oh...the excuse, costs go up each year. Hmmmmm everything is in place what went up. Year later, lots 100 grand. Wow development costs sure went up. The developer who makes you use their excavating company to dig the basement, use their lumber yard, use their concrete, etc.....oh they are making margins very easily. But....try buying just the lot and say you will be buying everything elsewhere and see where that gets you. Pfft. It isn't about affordable housing, it is about politics and milking it for what you can.     We need city sold lots and allow builders the freedom to shop around and get the best pricing they can to allow for some profit and affordability at the same time. "

Somebody get this guy a seat on council! Sounds like a real expert on this subject and many other complex issues such as the school board in other threads.

didn't ask the planning department about building the detached suites before building the small homes?  
If the answer was to be no then they could have built the duplexes like they said. Did the developer assume that their add on suites would be approved?

something "shady" going on here!! Having listened to the councillors at city hall when discussing development issues, it is quite comical as very few seem to know what they are talking about......so they cover up their inexperience by demeaning the ones that know what is going on and are concerned for the involved area. Also know what it is like to live in an area where you are supposed to know what's happening next door, but you didn't get the notice....Ah, and why would that be!!! Is City Hall bought!!! Mmmmmm!!!

Steve McMillan said "You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself. "

Whats wrong with mobile homes??

Steve McMillan said "You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself. "

I didn't realize you were against mobile homes. I prefer the term modular home. Since I am just embarrassing myself why not shed some light on to how to allow for affordable homes. I guess the first question is what is affordable homes mean to you and how much do you think the limit is? Looking at infill housing on the Realtor site (less than 1000 sqft) there are some running 260 grand 2 bedroom/1 bath with unfinished basement. What is a basement reno cost? Would I be wrong to estimate at 30-50 grand to finish? Now you are looking at over 300 grand for potentially 3-4 bed/2 bath on a 25' wide lot.  
 
Or my retarded thinking is pick up a infill lot even using 100 g for a number which isn't right when dividing it into small lots but simple math...add a 1200 sqft home for about 130 g. Sitting at 230 total but I am thinking closer to the 200 mark.  
 
Now if my numbers are totally out to lunch please correct me with some new ones. But realistically what is wrong with putting in a skinny mobile home/modular home/rtm instead of a site built skinny stick framed home? Or is it the stigma of the word "mobile home" which gets to you?

TimHorton said "    Fishin Guy said "    TimHorton said "Exactly. Brandon has been crying for 'affordable housing' for years now. The problem is, affordable means something different to everyone.     Developers cannot offer new affordable / low income housing in new developments since the cost of acquiring land and building is too high there would be no profit. Let's not forget these are businesses, not charities. There is hardly any margin in new construction any more.     Sounds like J&G is trying to listen to what the residents of Brandon have been asking for by attempting this smaller / affordable new housing infill project but in return catch a bunch of flack for it.     Can't blame them for trying ! " People talk about affordable. What does that mean? I would like to have seen pricing on these units. What are they selling these units for? What would be the extra price for the suite and garage? What they really wanted is a small house with a rental bachelor suite to subsidise the existing mortgage, thus allowing the builder to ask for more money. Plain and simple.     There isn't much room for margins in construction only if you are limited on what you can do.     City wants affordable housing? Allow for mobile home use on infill lots. Why not? Please tell me what the difference is other than some infills are built on a foundation, some slabs, etc.     Yes land is becoming expensive. It can still be reasonable though. What is frustrating to see is buying an area of land, put in roads, lights, sewer, services, etc. Now they sell the lots for say 50 grand. They are not loosing money. Now next year they are 75 grand. Oh...the excuse, costs go up each year. Hmmmmm everything is in place what went up. Year later, lots 100 grand. Wow development costs sure went up. The developer who makes you use their excavating company to dig the basement, use their lumber yard, use their concrete, etc.....oh they are making margins very easily. But....try buying just the lot and say you will be buying everything elsewhere and see where that gets you. Pfft. It isn't about affordable housing, it is about politics and milking it for what you can.     We need city sold lots and allow builders the freedom to shop around and get the best pricing they can to allow for some profit and affordability at the same time. " Somebody get this guy a seat on council! Sounds like a real expert on this subject and many other complex issues such as the school board in other threads. "

Not sure how to take this or not. I know many probably think I am more than a few cards short of a deck. Think is it is easier to put someone down and call them a fool than to counter with an informative post. I try to regurgitate information to explain my views for someone else. And by all means if I throw out the wrong information by all means someone please correct me. I have no problems saying I was wrong. Sometimes I misread things. But hey I'm only human.  
 
In regards to the BSD I have read all the budgets, audited financials, school report cards, attended the public meetings, written to the trustees. When I read that students are taking a self taught class to help improve their interest in school and they are learning cup stacking, Mindcraft, stuff like that...and want to raise taxes to cover the budget...that grinds my gears a little. And this info is right from the school report cards. Everything online.

Steve McMillan said "You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself. "

Wrong with mobile homes? I have lived in various ones in the past 15 years.some of them are really nice homes..you sound like a prude towards them..

Honestly I'm kind of tired of seeing 4 plex's and Duplexes crammed into every available lot. I'd fight like hell if I found out they were trying to build a bunch of condo's or cramming 3 houses into a space that held one house..or even two houses. Why doesn't VBJ build a bunch of these houses out in Brookwood or any of the other places they're charging $210,000 a lot for? They'd have paid that for the house they tore down. I mean if they're so concerned with affordable housing? They could build 50 of them out there.  
 
They don't for the same reasons the people didn't want them built next to them on 7th street.

Fishin Guy said "    Steve McMillan said "You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself. " I didn't realize you were against mobile homes. I prefer the term modular home. Since I am just embarrassing myself why not shed some light on to how to allow for affordable homes. I guess the first question is what is affordable homes mean to you and how much do you think the limit is? Looking at infill housing on the Realtor site (less than 1000 sqft) there are some running 260 grand 2 bedroom/1 bath with unfinished basement. What is a basement reno cost? Would I be wrong to estimate at 30-50 grand to finish? Now you are looking at over 300 grand for potentially 3-4 bed/2 bath on a 25' wide lot.     Or my retarded thinking is pick up a infill lot even using 100 g for a number which isn't right when dividing it into small lots but simple math...add a 1200 sqft home for about 130 g. Sitting at 230 total but I am thinking closer to the 200 mark.     Now if my numbers are totally out to lunch please correct me with some new ones. But realistically what is wrong with putting in a skinny mobile home/modular home/rtm instead of a site built skinny stick framed home? Or is it the stigma of the word "mobile home" which gets to you? "

There is no class or designation for "modular home". No jurisdiction in Canada allows mobile homes in infill areas, Brandon will not be the first if it wants to keep areas desirable...just look what happens to mobile home parks after about 30 years. The second problem with your "solution" is that mobile homes cannot be anything but a single family dwelling without an engineer...the buildings proposed by J&G do not. On to the 3rd fault in your brilliant idea...what contractor could possibly by a 35ft parcel for under $30k?? The would be demolition charges, development costs (landscaping and servicing - those lots would require new water/sewer/hydro services)...then add the $130k for the cheapest mobile you can find...that now puts the cost of a cheap mobile home at north of $200,000...not what I call affordable. But that doesn't matter, because mobile homes are not ever located in in fill lots ANYWHERE.

happynana said "    Steve McMillan said "You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself. " Wrong with mobile homes? I have lived in various ones in the past 15 years.some of them are really nice homes..you sound like a prude towards them.. "

Would you move into a mobile home park where the mobile homes are older than, say 40 years??

MrDobalina said "Honestly I'm kind of tired of seeing 4 plex's and Duplexes crammed into every available lot. I'd fight like hell if I found out they were trying to build a bunch of condo's or cramming 3 houses into a space that held one house..or even two houses. Why doesn't VBJ build a bunch of these houses out in Brookwood or any of the other places they're charging $210,000 a lot for? They'd have paid that for the house they tore down. I mean if they're so concerned with affordable housing? They could build 50 of them out there.     They don't for the same reasons the people didn't want them built next to them on 7th street. "

If you don't want them in your neighborhood, do you honestly think that people paying more than $600,000 for a new home want them next to their homes??

Fishin Guy said "    TimHorton said "    Fishin Guy said "    TimHorton said "Exactly. Brandon has been crying for 'affordable housing' for years now. The problem is, affordable means something different to everyone.     Developers cannot offer new affordable / low income housing in new developments since the cost of acquiring land and building is too high there would be no profit. Let's not forget these are businesses, not charities. There is hardly any margin in new construction any more.     Sounds like J&G is trying to listen to what the residents of Brandon have been asking for by attempting this smaller / affordable new housing infill project but in return catch a bunch of flack for it.     Can't blame them for trying ! " People talk about affordable. What does that mean? I would like to have seen pricing on these units. What are they selling these units for? What would be the extra price for the suite and garage? What they really wanted is a small house with a rental bachelor suite to subsidise the existing mortgage, thus allowing the builder to ask for more money. Plain and simple.     There isn't much room for margins in construction only if you are limited on what you can do.     City wants affordable housing? Allow for mobile home use on infill lots. Why not? Please tell me what the difference is other than some infills are built on a foundation, some slabs, etc.     Yes land is becoming expensive. It can still be reasonable though. What is frustrating to see is buying an area of land, put in roads, lights, sewer, services, etc. Now they sell the lots for say 50 grand. They are not loosing money. Now next year they are 75 grand. Oh...the excuse, costs go up each year. Hmmmmm everything is in place what went up. Year later, lots 100 grand. Wow development costs sure went up. The developer who makes you use their excavating company to dig the basement, use their lumber yard, use their concrete, etc.....oh they are making margins very easily. But....try buying just the lot and say you will be buying everything elsewhere and see where that gets you. Pfft. It isn't about affordable housing, it is about politics and milking it for what you can.     We need city sold lots and allow builders the freedom to shop around and get the best pricing they can to allow for some profit and affordability at the same time. " Somebody get this guy a seat on council! Sounds like a real expert on this subject and many other complex issues such as the school board in other threads. " Not sure how to take this or not. I know many probably think I am more than a few cards short of a deck. Think is it is easier to put someone down and call them a fool than to counter with an informative post. I try to regurgitate information to explain my views for someone else. And by all means if I throw out the wrong information by all means someone please correct me. I have no problems saying I was wrong. Sometimes I misread things. But hey I'm only human.     In regards to the BSD I have read all the budgets, audited financials, school report cards, attended the public meetings, written to the trustees. When I read that students are taking a self taught class to help improve their interest in school and they are learning cup stacking, Mindcraft, stuff like that...and want to raise taxes to cover the budget...that grinds my gears a little. And this info is right from the school report cards. Everything online. "

Your posts seem to suggest over simplified solutions to very complex matters which I beleive irritates folks who have direct experience and knowledge in those respective industries.  
 
The Brookwood developer (Not J&G or any other builder) sells lots to various companies, whether it is R&M Homes, J&G, or some of the other builders. If you want to build on one of these lots these builders have purchaed from the developer then of course you need to build with them (that is why they have layed out the money to purchase the lot). Why would they sell you the lot they own at a break even or very small profit and let you buy our own materials, hire your own trades etc?  
 
Nothing is stopping anyone from buying a lot in Brookwood directly from developer just like these builders have and doing a self build. Same goes for the development on the North Hill. Plenty of individuals buying their own lots and doing their own builds.  
 
Some of the other areas such as Bellafield, J&G has developed themselves and as such all the lots belong to J&G and they can do whatever they want with them. They have spent millions of dollars to buy and develop the land, of course they want people to build with them.

happynana said "    Steve McMillan said "You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself. " Wrong with mobile homes? I have lived in various ones in the past 15 years.some of them are really nice homes..you sound like a prude towards them.. "

Absolutely nothing is wrong with mobile homes. Zoning laws clearly state that mobile homes are not permitted anywhere other than mobile home zoned properties like Brentwood and Monterey Estates so not sure why Fishing Guy would recommend that as an option for infill lots. Sorry if you took my comment as a negative to mobile homes.

Steve McMillan said "    happynana said "    Steve McMillan said "You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself. " Wrong with mobile homes? I have lived in various ones in the past 15 years.some of them are really nice homes..you sound like a prude towards them.. " Absolutely nothing is wrong with mobile homes. Zoning laws clearly state that mobile homes are not permitted anywhere other than mobile home zoned properties like Brentwood and Monterey Estates so not sure why Fishing Guy would recommend that as an option for infill lots. Sorry if you took my comment as a negative to mobile homes. "

there is a mobile home that has been on a city street for years now. It is what it is.

Johnbisonbear said "didn't ask the planning department about building the detached suites before building the small homes?   If the answer was to be no then they could have built the duplexes like they said. Did the developer assume that their add on suites would be approved? "

The houses were permitted so there was nothing stopping us from building them. We also had backup options planned if it wasn't approved, but thought chances were slim of that happening since we had the full support of City Planning Department, as they recommended approval of the applications, and also City Council implemented new rules for detached and garage suites as affordable housing options. We thought rather than just building a 2 storey duplex that could have 3 bedrooms in each unit (6 total bedrooms), that residents would rather have a one storey house (2 bedrooms) with a detached suite (1 bedroom) in the back that looks like a single car garage. What option would you rather have beside you or in your neighbourhood?

Johnbisonbear said "    Steve McMillan said "    happynana said "    Steve McMillan said "You are beyond clueless on this issue. Mobile Homes? Really? Stop embarrassing yourself. " Wrong with mobile homes? I have lived in various ones in the past 15 years.some of them are really nice homes..you sound like a prude towards them.. " Absolutely nothing is wrong with mobile homes. Zoning laws clearly state that mobile homes are not permitted anywhere other than mobile home zoned properties like Brentwood and Monterey Estates so not sure why Fishing Guy would recommend that as an option for infill lots. Sorry if you took my comment as a negative to mobile homes. " there is a mobile home that has been on a city street for years now. It is what it is. "

The only way this could happen is if it was pre-existing to the zoning regulations for the area. It would be deemed a non-conforming use and is legally allowed to stay in place until its demolished or damaged to a point where the cost to fix it is over 50% of the value. Then any new building would have to meet current zoning regulations and building codes.