For the second time in less than a year, Humboldt city council has said no to a condominium conversion request.
A request by the owners to turn Eastview Manor, a 12-unit apartment complex, into condos was turned down by council at their regular meeting on September 27.
According to a report prepared by acting city manager Sandra Pauli, 11 of the 12 tenants of the building were not in favour of the conversion, stating that it would cause them financial and personal hardship. All 11 respondents to a short survey by the city, said they would be hard-pressed to find other rental housing and could be forced to move from the community.
"I have some sympathy for the landlords, but our hands are tied by the legislation," said Councillor Marilyn Scott.
Scott was referring to the provincial Condominium Property Act that states condo conversions are not allowed if they would significantly reduce the availability of rental accommodation in the city and would cause significant hardship for the tenants.
According to Pauli's report, the Humboldt Housing Authority has waiting lists for the units it manages and has advised the city that the vacancy rate for rental units in the city is virtually zero per cent.
While there was some discussion about allowing conversions in the future after the seniors' housing complex being constructed by the Caleb Group is complete, several councillors noted that those rental units are not available to any one and should not be counted as rental units under the provincial legislation.
A draft policy for condominium conversions will be presented to the Administration and Protection Committee at a meeting in October. After that, the policy will be presented to the full council for discussion.
