Despite a letter signed by five residents of Brook Street in opposition to tiny homes, the Stephenville town council approved permits for the start of the development recently.
Sean and Renee Hickey were approved a permit to construct two single tiny homes at 35-3 and 35-9 Brook St., subject to complying with all town regulations and approval by Service Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Mayor Tom Rose said the letter of opposition stated the tiny homes would not fit in with the aesthetics of the neighborhood. However, he said in talking to the developers the quality of these homes would actually add to the aesthetics.
“Tiny homes are trending across the country and I think having them in our town will put Stephenville on the map,” he said.
Rose said this development will help in the diversification of the community, as they are ideal for a retirement home or a summer home.
“I’m proud that as a council we are moving this forward,” he said.
Coun. Mike Tobin said that at a recent Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador meeting he attended, he was questioned by representatives of the towns of Torbay and Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s about Stephenville proceeding with tiny home development.
“It’s not just us, other towns are interested in it,” he said.
Hickey said he is pleased with the approval by council, and he expects construction of these first two tiny homes to start some time during the first week of June and completed by the end of June.
The Hickeys’ subdivision will have 13 lots on Brook Street, located on the opposite side of the road from Bay St. George Ready-Mix Ltd.
With backfilling of the property already done, the lots are now ready for the construction of the tiny homes.
Some of the lots are already sold and, while a contractor is building some, there are also lots available for people wanting to build themselves.
Hickey said he was a little surprised at the opposition to the development, especially since these will be new homes that will be very pleasing to the eye.
