Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Stage 1 water restrictions are in place to promote water conservation in Mission.
- Lawn watering is permitted once a week with address-based scheduling for mornings.
- Secondary suites offer affordable housing options and extra income opportunities.
- Differentiation between Certified and Registered suites helps maintain compliance with building regulations.
- Exemptions and fees on utility charges support both regulatory and community needs.
Table of contents
Stage 1 Water Restrictions
As of May 8, 2025, the City of Mission has implemented Stage 1 water restrictions. These measures are introduced to foster sustainable water usage and ensure that every resident does their part:
- Residential lawn watering: Permitted once per week in the morning.
- Even and odd address scheduling: Even addresses on Saturdays and odd addresses on Sundays.
- Manual watering: Allowed between 6:00 and 9:00 am.
- Automatic systems: Operate from 5:00 to 7:00 am.
These restrictions reflect the City’s commitment to responsible water management and environmental stewardship.
Secondary Suites Program
The introduction of secondary suites underscores Mission’s effort to make housing more affordable while providing homeowners with extra income opportunities. A secondary suite is defined as a fully self-contained living space within a single-family dwelling. Unlike detached structures such as coach homes or garden cottages, these suites:
- Are Certified if legalized via proper building permits, fully meeting bylaw and code requirements (including off-street parking).
- Are Registered if known to the City but pending full compliance – note that registration closed on May 16, 2024.
There is an annual administrative fee of $60, and utility charges are imposed on a flat rate basis for two single dwellings. Homeowners planning to build or recommission a suite must secure both registration and a building permit, ensuring all standards are met for safety and community benefit.
Moreover, exemptions are available for owner-occupied suites under specific conditions, such as personal use or family accommodation, subject to annual renewal or ownership changes.
For properties incorrectly listed with a suite, a formal review process is available to correct City records after the necessary bylaw inspection.
Support and Information
Residents seeking clarity on water restrictions, secondary suite guidelines, or utility billing are encouraged to contact the City’s dedicated staff. Their helpful support ensures that all queries are resolved with care and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often is residential lawn watering allowed under Stage 1?
A1: Lawns can be watered once per week in the morning, with even addresses on Saturdays and odd addresses on Sundays.
Q2: What distinguishes a Certified suite from a Registered suite?
A2: Certified suites have been legalized through a building permit and fully comply with bylaws and building codes. Registered suites are known to the City but have not yet met all compliance requirements.
Q3: Is there any support for homeowners building secondary suites?
A3: Yes, homeowners must apply for a registration and building permit, and they can also benefit from exemptions on utility fees if the suite is owner-occupied under specified conditions.
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