A new townhouse development planned for Rutland has Kelowna council worried about how and where current residents will find a new place to live.
The developer plans to rezone and consolidate one property on Mills Road off Highway 33, with two adjacent lots already earmarked for development, to bring in eight townhouse buildings. The properties are home to older, multi-family dwellings.
Councillor Rick Webber raised concerns about replacing older, affordable units with less affordable options.
“These 20 existing rental units are to be replaced with 55 new purpose-built rentals,” Webber added. “The market rates are anticipated to be $2,400 to $3,000 a month.”
While Webber didn’t vote against the project, he voiced dissatisfaction with the tenant transition plan.
“They got an extra month’s notice a list of agencies that may or may not provide affordable housing, and a list of potential moving companies they can hire.”
He said current residents will have a hard time finding a new place to live with similar rents.
“That’s one of our major problems in Kelowna.”
Coun. Loyal Wooldridge echoed concerns about the transition plan and the potential erosion of affordable housing stock.
Staff told council work is underway on a more broad tenant relocation effort as part of the housing supply plan which will be brought to council later this year.
“I’m pleased staff will be coming forward with recommendations because we know that gentrification can have this effect on neighbourhoods,” Wooldridge said.
Also citing concerns about the tenant transition plan, Coun. Gord Lovegrove said more assistance for residents is needed.
“I think it should be in part the responsibility of the applicant to help and a one-month transition plan is not a transition plan.”
City manager Doug Gilchrist cautioned council about their expectations regarding the applicant’s obligations, noting that currently, they have none.
He added that the applicant had shown intent to work with affected residents, and further efforts by the city might necessitate a discussion to explore options.
The Residential Tenancy Act governs matters of rental eviction for demolition and redevelopment. According to legislation, tenants are entitled to a four-month notice and one month’s rent as compensation.
Coun. Charlie Hodge was the only one to vote against rezoning the property.
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