Port Coquitlam residents, landlords and others will have the chance to comment Mar. 26 on proposed regulations intended to support rental housing in the city.

The proposed amendments to the Business Bylaw, which received the first three of four readings on Mar. 12, would establish requirements for rental apartment businesses with five or more units that plan to undertake repairs or renovations.

Public feedback on the proposed amendments to the Business Bylaw may be submitted in writing or in person at City Hall on Mar. 26 at 6 p.m.

“We’ve heard stories about renovictions throughout the region, and now that it’s happening in our community, we must take action,” Mayor Brad West said. “We want to use every tool available to us to help residents of rental housing in Port Coquitlam stay in their homes.”

The proposed regulations specify that if landlords plan to make renovations to purpose-built rental units that require the units to be vacant, they must provide temporary accommodation for the tenants as well as allow them to move back in without a rent increase. Alternatively, landlords may relocate displaced tenants to a comparable unit.

“These proposed bylaw changes would not prevent landlords from completing necessary repairs or other improvements to their buildings,” West noted. “However, they would provide Port Coquitlam renters with greater sense of security when this work takes place.”

The proposed amendment to the Business Bylaw would apply to owners of suite-rental businesses with five or more suites, including owners who have already delivered eviction notices to tenants but the tenants have not yet relocated. The bylaw amendment would not apply to homeowners who rent out a secondary suite or a coach house, or apartment condominium owners who rent out their suites.

“We are thankful for the many excellent landlords who provide housing in our community but we also want to send a message that the predatory practice of renovictions won’t be accepted in Port Coquitlam,” West added.

The bylaw is one of several measures being considered to support rental housing in the community. Staff have been directed to bring forward a review of rental housing policies and regulations, including maintenance and retention of the city’s purpose-built rental housing and options to create new rental units.

More information and Business Amendment Bylaw No. 4116 can be viewed at www.portcoquitlam.ca/rentalbylaw. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca