Source From: Elliot Lake Today
Councillor seeks more info in response to questions of just how small a house is allowed
Councillor Dan Middaugh says more and more seniors, and many young people, do not want a large home / File photo
BLIND RIVER – Councillor Dan Middaugh wants more information on where in the community smaller homes can be built to meet demands of people wanting to downsize where they live and stay in town.
He sent a request about the matter to Blind River CAO-Clerk Katie Scott who brought the matter to council at its Monday evening meeting.
“There is an increased number of people asking how small of a house they can build (serviced),” Coun. Middaugh said in his request to Scott. “I informed them that I had thought it was about 800 square feet, which I see I was not far off.”
“In the current housing crisis that Ontario is facing, more and more senior people and quite a few younger people for that matter do not want a big house, nor can they afford it,” added.
“Pinpointing the senior people (50+yrs of age), they are expressing their interest in a 400 square foot home. They do not wish to live in a big house because the maintenance is too much for them both physically and financially.”
The people making inquiries would like to have a small home community where they could still own their home but not have the burden of a massive house, Middaugh noted.
“They are not ready for a senior’s apartment or assisted living. These people have expressed their concerns of having to leave the area to find proper living space for their needs. They do not wish to leave but we have nothing vacant here for them.”
In bringing the issue to council, Middaugh said he is of the opinion that officials should take the matter into consideration.
“Can we push for these changes? Are there investors out there willing to build a subdivision of this style?
"Do these people have to purchase property to build this on their own if we do see changes to the bylaws? These are just some of the questions that come to mind when I discuss this with people.”
Mayor Sally Hagman said the matter will be brought to council at its next meeting with an expected report from CAO-Clerk Scott.
She noted that the Ontario building code allows for year-round homes with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and a sleeping area of 188 square feet to be built. The size is not currently allowed in Blind River.
Indeed, the tiny house movement has gained significant popularity in recent years. Many people are attracted to the idea of living in a smaller, more efficient space:
Simplicity and Minimalism: Tiny houses encourage a minimalist lifestyle, reducing clutter and focusing on essential items.
Cost-Effective: Tiny houses are generally less expensive to build, maintain, and heat/cool compared to larger homes, making them an attractive option for those looking to reduce housing costs.
Environmental Impact: Smaller homes have a smaller environmental footprint, consuming fewer resources and often incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems.
Flexibility and Mobility: Many tiny houses are designed to be mobile, offering the freedom to move and live in different locations without the constraints of traditional homeownership.
Less Maintenance: With less space, there is less to clean and maintain, allowing more free time for other activities.
Focus on Quality: Living in a smaller space often means investing in higher-quality, multifunctional items and designing spaces more thoughtfully to maximize utility.
These factors make tiny houses an appealing choice for a growing number of people seeking a more intentional and sustainable way of living.
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