Port Coquitlam city council is considering a proposal that would alter building standards to make it easier for seniors and people with changing physical needs to remain in their homes.
On Monday, councillors voted in favour of giving first two readings to a bylaw that would see adaptable building standards adopted in 30% of housing units in buildings with 10 or more units.
The changes would force builders to rough in framing for features such as handle bars in bathrooms while lowering light switches and raising plug outlets to accommodate people in wheelchairs.
The building code changes would also call for wider corridors and doorways, and the installation of lever-style doors and faucet handles instead of knobs.
But not all council members were in favour of adopting the adaptable housing bylaw.
Mayor Greg Moore said he believes that information outlining which unit has the building requirements will be lost and that people will not know if their home is adaptable. It would be more beneficial, he added, if 100% of the units conformed to the new regulations.
"It would be easier if you know that after 2012, all units are adaptable," he said. "We will only meet our goals if we do it 100%. I like the bylaw... I just don't think it goes far enough."
Coun. Mike Forrest agreed, adding that while he supports the concept of adaptable housing, he has concerns with how the alterations would be documented.
But Coun. Darrell Penner said he believes adaptable housing will be a selling feature that realtors and developers will highlight when promoting their units.
"Sales people won't forget," he said. "I think this is a good step in the right direction."
