N.S. news: Cape Breton council approves land-use bylaw change [Video]

There may soon be new housing options in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) for people living with disabilities.

On Tuesday evening, CBRM council unanimously approved a motion put forth by Mayor Amanda McDougall-Merrill to change a land-use bylaw that would allow secondary housing units – often referred to as ‘accessory dwelling units’ – to be built on single-family residential lots.

One reason for the proposed change is the Nova Scotia government’s plans in the coming years to phase out institutional-style living spaces for people with disabilities.

CBRM councillor Cyril MacDonald spoke to CTV Atlantic about the topic on Wednesday.

“I think this is an opportunity for folks who maybe have some vacant land”, MacDonald said. “(People who have) always wanted to put up a garage, or always wanted to put up an income property. They can now do so, and they can house a person with a disability – …