琉璃神社 council has asked staff to tweak the city鈥檚 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.
鈥淲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,鈥� said Lauren Sanbrooks, planner. 鈥淭enants are at risk for displacement.鈥�
琉璃神社 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.
鈥淪o it鈥檚 important that the city carefully consider any added costs or complexities.鈥�
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 鈥渙ption 2a鈥� which includes a developer relocation plan, moving costs, three months forgiven or paid rent, and extended notice.
鈥淔rom my perspective that gives the tenants at least something that鈥檚 concrete鈥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 city鈥檚 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.
