We think that perhaps Lake Cowichan town council should take a second look at the illegal rentals situation that the Gazette reported about last week.
We completely understand and agree with the idea of not allowing people to just build rentals without the proper zoning and permits. This can lead to unsafe situations.
If we were talking about simply penalizing the individual who originally put in the illegal rentals then we’d say, go for it, make him tear them out and go through the proper process.
But it’s not that simple.
The current owner inherited the situation, and is willing to do everything he has to now to bring the accommodations into compliance, and make sure his tenants are safe. Further, he has had an independent inspection that shows the suites to be in generally good or better than good shape. It seems a waste to make him rip them out entirely and start from scratch — and we imagine he probably can’t afford to do so. It also seems such an action is really penalizing the wrong person.
And key to the discussion is that it would mean the eviction of the current tenants, with nowhere for them to go as rentals are as scarce as hen’s teeth at Cowichan Lake right now.
It would basically mean kicking people out of town. We don’t think anyone, including council, wants to see that happen.
The tenants are, understandably, afraid, angry and uncertain of their futures. They are truly caught in the middle of this fight.
Sure, the argument goes, it’s just a notice on title. The building owner isn’t required to do anything. Except that a notice on title is a punishment for a reason, and does indeed come with consequences. The owner could have difficulty selling, and it could affect value. It could impact any mortgage agreement.
Council has certainly made their point about the importance of obeying their regulations. And we’re concerned this may deter others who may have also inherited non-conforming situations, but would now like to legalize things. Instead these folks may now stay silent, instead.
Surely a sit-down could come up with a solution to this problem that would be beneficial to all?
We think it’s worth a try at least.