Appendix

Appendix – “NEW” – Saanich Tenant Assistance Policy
According to Staff, under consideration is to have the new policy provide additional support over and above that afforded by the BC Residential Tenancy ACT (RTA – 4 month’s notice, one month’s rent compensation, with no Right of First Refusal) including:

  1. Offer Right of First Refusal in a new development – a unit of comparable size and at comparable rent
  2. Cover moving expenses (moving company charge, or pay flat rate based on unit size)

The Tenant Assistance Policy would come into effect when:

  1. A Rezoning Application is submitted to the District and
  2. If approved, the rezoning would result in loss of rental units, requiring tenants to move out

It is also being considered for other application types including Development Permits, as “Best Practice”.

In terms of additional “policy supports”, there was discussion of:

  1. A communication plan where the applicant (developer) would keep tenants informed and updated of the process, provide contact information, share helpful resources and communicate with tenants in writing with copies to the District.
  2. The idea of a Relocation Coordinator, i.e., a person who would help tenants find new housing was also raised.
  3. Additional support for vulnerable tenants, where additional support may be offered to help apply for subsidized housing, additional moving assistance, help connect with health organizations or non-profit services.

As we have noted in previous open emails and at the AGM in early December, Saanich is in the process of Updating its Official Community Plan (OCP). This is an important document for the future development of Saanich and specifically the Mount Tolmie area, as transportation corridors (Shelbourne St and McKenzie Ave) and local environs/neighbourhoods are being targeted for development.

The OCP-update, due later this Spring, follows up on the earlier 2021 Saanich Housing Strategy (73 actions and headed by Saanich councilors Devries and Harper – see link below). Coupled with the more recent entry of the Province into Municipal affairs with their change in Public Hearing legislation, allowing for the elimination of public hearings for developments that fit with local OCPs all suggest the development approval process will face less scrutiny than in the past. Moreover, a series of statements on housing (building targets for selected municipalities, affordable housing, flipping tax, legalization of secondary suites, etc, see links below) by David Eby, who became Premier late last year after John Horgan resigned, all signal changes in housing / development / planning are being pushed somewhat down to Municipalities and communities.

Of course the housing situation needs to be addressed in some manner, but I believe this is a more complex problem than most politicians would have us believe. And, I certainly hope changes in housing policy are managed environmentally responsibly, equitably and humanely. And it is on this latter point where I believe Saanich has realized that it needs a Tenant Assistance Policy of its own. Of course, the policy details really matter and I am still looking for a meaningful definition and implementation of “affordable housing”. Both the Saanich councilors and the developers that I have been in contact with have all been rather vague in their responses.

 

Ryon Bateman, MESc, PHd
President, Mount Tolmie Community Association
mtcacontacts@gmail.com