The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is asking the public for its feedback on a draft rental renovation licence bylaw.
The draft bylaw has three possible options for the public to review before council considers the proposed bylaw and options. The options include the following:
Option 1: Maintaining current practices with no additional regulatory, staffing, or public education measures related to renovictions.
Option 2: Educating the public about renovictions and provincial legislation along with tracking renoviction 311 calls and building permits that could result in renovictions.
Option 3: Approve the proposed bylaw that includes hiring an additional Licensing Assistant and a public renoviction education campaign.
The municipality said bylaw enforcement would be conducted by existing Building Services staff.
Public input is welcome until May 20 at midnight through the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent online engagement forum. There will also be a public meeting at the Chatham Cultural Centre Studio One (75 William Street North, Chatham) on May 13, beginning at 6 p.m.
In February, Chatham-Kent Council directed administration to draft a "renoviction" licensing bylaw after consulting with tenant advocacy groups, landlord representatives, and housing experts to address enforcement mechanisms, administrative fees, appeal processes, and compliance reporting.
The feedback and draft bylaw are expected to be presented at the June 22 council meeting.
Deputations will not be allowed at the council meeting because of the public meeting being held to discuss the issue.
Click here to learn about the draft bylaw and make comments.
