Kelowna council has asked staff to tweak the city91裸聊视频檚 tenant protection and relocation assistance policies for residents displaced by redevelopment.
Staff told council at its Monday (Oct. 21) meeting that challenges include limited tenant protections under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) and an emerging trend in the redevelopment of older residential properties.
91裸聊视频淲hile this can modernize housing and increase the total number of rental units it can also lead to the loss of affordable units further straining our rental market,91裸聊视频� said Lauren Sanbrooks, planner. 91裸聊视频淭enants are at risk for displacement.91裸聊视频�
Kelowna has a one per cent vacancy rate making it harder for renters to find affordable housing, she added. Sanbrooks also told council that developing purpose-built rentals is challenging.
91裸聊视频淪o it91裸聊视频檚 important that the city carefully consider any added costs or complexities.91裸聊视频�
A staff report laid out three options; following Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) regulations only; a developer tenant relocation plan and RTA rules; or developer relocation plan, extended notification, relocation assistance and financial compensation.
Councillor Luke Stack suggested an 91裸聊视频渙ption 2a91裸聊视频� which includes a developer relocation plan, moving costs, three months forgiven or paid rent, and extended notice.
91裸聊视频淔rom my perspective that gives the tenants at least something that91裸聊视频檚 concrete91裸聊视频o help them transition," he added.
The issue was highlighted in May this year when council deferred consideration to rezone property on Mills Road in Rutland to allow construction of a townhouse development. The 20 existing rental units on the property will be torn down and replaced with 55 new purpose-built rentals, displacing several residents.
Tenant protection and relocation was identified as a key action in the city91裸聊视频檚 Housing Action Plan which is currently being drafted and will be presented to council in a few weeks. However, staff brought the issue forward sooner in consideration of residents on Mills Rd. being displaced.
Staff will review the policy and report back to council in a few weeks.
