Supportive living is a philosophy and approach that promotes independent living for residents within a residential housing setting while offering access to care and additional services to meet their evolving needs. Supportive living caters to a diverse range of individuals, including seniors requiring age-related support services as well as younger individuals with mental health or physical disabilities. Supportive living accommodations come in various sizes, appearances and service offerings, encompassing seniors' lodges, group homes and adult family living or family care homes.
These accommodations play a crucial role in creating inclusive communities where residential integration contributes to the overall well-being of the residents. They are also vital in addressing the increasing demand for specialized housing options in Airdrie.
The City of Airdrie's Land Use Bylaw classifies supportive living accommodations into two categories: Supportive housing, limited and supportive housing, general.
The City of Airdrie has no substantiated evidence indicating that non-market housing, including supportive housing, has a negative effect on the value of neighbouring properties. The value of residential real estate, both in terms of assessment and sale value, is primarily influenced by local and global economic factors rather than the introduction of new non-market housing within the community.
Local property value assessments are shaped by various factors, such as location and lot characteristics. Elements such as the shape, size and proximity to commercial areas, transit infrastructure and essential services play a significant role. The income level or ownership status of residents within a particular development does not factor into property value assessments.
If non-market housing is well-designed, fits in with the surrounding neighbourhood, and is well managed, property values of neighbouring homes are not negatively impacted.
There is no correlation or evidence to suggest that supportive housing increases crime and disorder. Social disorder linked with homelessness occurs when people do not have suitable homes and support. Supportive housing can help to fix this problem.
The City has limited control over dictating who can occupy a specific ‘use’ on a property. The Land Use Bylaw regulates the ‘use’ and not the ‘user’. There are no policies or provisions that control future occupants that may reside within a home. Indicators such as age, race, background, income, lifestyle, and level of supportive care are not part of a permit review process. Further, the City can only advise a prospective supportive housing operator to obtain the necessary licences and approvals required from the Provincial Government to operate their business.
The City of Airdrie does have the authority to enforce compliance with Land Use Bylaw policy and its minimum standards regarding a supportive housing use, conditions of an approved Development Permit, and community standards requirements. Examples of non-compliance could be related to the number of occupants, number of staff, number of parking stalls, general noise, snow clearing, and unsightly premises. If there is non-compliance, the Compliance Officer or Community Peace Officer will take remedial measures or issue warnings.
Operators of supportive living accommodations must comply with provincial legislation, including the Supportive Living Accommodation Licensing Act and the Provincial Accommodation Standards. They must also obtain a license when they provide permanent accommodation to four or more adults, arrange for services related to safety and security of the residents and provide at least one meal a day or housekeeping services.
The province has the authority to investigate complaints of non-compliance with the legislation or if the residents are in danger. If you have a concern with an accommodation, accommodation services, or a concern about abuse or the safety of a resident in a licensed supportive living accommodation, call 1.888.357.9339.
When a proposed development is listed as a 'Discretionary Use' within a Land Use District, adjacent landowners whose property lines are next to the subject parcel are notified. The conditional approval is also posted on the property, advertised in the City newspaper, and posted online.
Effective May 3rd, 2023, the Planning and Development Department has increased the notification distance for all supportive housing uses to include adjacent property owners within a minimum of 60m radius.
*For further information, please review the following: Supportive Housing Application Requirements
If you are interested in operating a supportive housing facility within the City of Airdrie, you will need to apply for a development permit, building permit and a business licence.
1) Application Fee
See current Planning Fee Schedule.
2) Letter of Authorization
From the registered owner(s) if the owner is not the applicant.
3) Project Description
You will need to tell the City where the supportive housing will be located and identify key people related to the project including:
4) Required Plans
To the application form you will need to attach:
5) Business Description/Detail
You will need to attach a written explanation of the operation of the supportive housing proposal. In the description, please describe the following:
6) External Approvals & Licensing
Please list permit approvals and licenses issued from other governing agencies that you have obtained (ex. health approval, supportive living license, facility-based childcare license, etc).
7) Public Engagement Worksheet / Letters of Support
To ensure your proposal is developed in an open and transparent way, effective May 3rd, 2023, it is required that applicants conduct public engagement within a 60m radius of the subject parcel prior to applying for a supportive housing accommodation. An engagement process is intended to advise communities in a proactive and relationship-oriented way to ensure long-term success of your project.