Think about how neighbours affected

On April 24, I was allowed to speak to Saskatoon city council about the new accelerator funding related to accessory suites and garage suites. I am thankful that we have a municipal government that allows residents to speak for five minutes to add voices from the community.

Many speakers spoke in support of the bylaw amendments because it would provide them with perceived tangible benefits. Construction industry representatives obviously spoke in favour. Nobody spoke to represent the adjacent neighbour(s) negatively impacted by these backyard rental structures.

As a Saskatoon resident who has needed to protect his home from poor engineering designs and house-flipping neighbours, there needs to be more protection for neighbours, especially in existing neighbourhoods. Some residential lots have sewer service in the front and others are in the back alley.

The underground utility connection process, construction methods and risk of damage will vary.

If these accessory suites are going to be forced onto neighbours without any fiscal benefit, the least the city can do is ensure construction bylaws are updated to ensure that minimum impact practices are mandated to mitigate the risk of vibration damage.

If a neighbour suffers property damage and seeks to resolve the issue in the courts, the courts rely on the Saskatoon construction bylaws to determine if the standard of care was breached.

If high-impact practices are allowed, the courts will not protect neighbours who suffer damages from these accessory units and garage suites.

Douglas Tompson, Saskatoon