YORKTON - There are concerns from some about the recently approved changes to Yorkton’s Fire Prevention Bylaw.
The concerns brought forward to the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Dec. 16, related to rental housing inspections and licence fees.
“We are asking the Yorkton City Council to reevaluate the recent amendments to this bylaw that could have a negative impact on the rental housing providers in Yorkton,” said Randall Hoeber with Ralex Enterprises.
Hoeber said there was concern over the process.
“As far as I know there were no public consultations that would have provided city council with the ability to make an informed decision,” he said.
Yorkton Fire Chief Trevor Morrissey who took the city lead on the bylaw changes said there was consultation, citing talks with the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, and coverage in Yorkton This Week.
Hoeber also noted the fee for the inspection was not something he saw as fair.
“The requirements for rental housing providers to obtain a license at a cost of $100 per bedroom seems to be excessive,” he said.
In terms of fees Morrissey confirmed it is set at $100 per bedroom, but it is based on an inspection only once every four years.
Cameron Choquette, with Rental Housing Saskatchewan, also made a presentation at the meeting, calling on changes to the recently changed bylaw.
Choquette called on Council to consider amending the bylaw to better target enforcement and reduce the costs of the licensing and inspection regime that is currently being implemented.
He added changes would be important as Yorkton continues to experience housing shortages and the rental housing industry needs to be involved when public policy is created so that rental housing providers, renters, and the City can all find solutions that are good for the City.
Choquette also suggested there were existing regulatory tools that can be used to deal with building deficiencies.
However, Morrissey said those regulations are limiting in terms of access “without a warrant” and the changes made recently provide better access if required by the city.
In general the bylaw changes have potential impacts the city may not have fully appreciated, suggested Hoeber.
“We don't believe that the authors of the bylaw amendments and the city council fully understand or appreciate the implications of this bylaw on not only rental housing providers, but tenants, property managers, bylaw enforcement officials, the business community, or anyone responsible for fire prevention safety,” he said.
As an example, Hoeber asked what happens if a fire official refuses to issue a licence or revoke a licence if it is determined that deficiencies need to be remedied?
If this were to occur, did the authors of this bylaw and the city council consider the implications of this on the tenant(s)? For example, if a license is refused or revoked, the unit can no longer be rented, and the tenant is forced to vacate – likely immediately if a Fire Official deems the unit as “non-compliant”, detailed his letter to Council.
Hoeber also asked what was the intent of these amendments? Why was there no public consultations?
To that Morrissey later responded there was only one goal with the changes, that being safety.
“The intent of this is 100 per cent public safety,” he said, adding the approach of inspections is not a unique idea, with Regina have something in place which is similar in nature.
Morrissey said his concern are tenants, the ones with concerns, who are often afraid the step forward with concerns after receiving threats of eviction from landlords. While noting a tenant can’t be evicted for making concerns known, the threat is still often enough to keep them quiet.
“It may be an empty threat,” he said, adding it still is often enough to prevent tenants from coming forward.
Hoeber did note he has been in talks with Morrissey on some of his issues and alternative options have come up for consideration.
“This is a step in the right direction and I look forward to the opportunity to continue that dialogue with Fire Chief Morrissey,” he offered.
Hoeber said he attended the meeting hoping Council would re-evaluate this bylaw and establish a committee to seek a more collaborative approach that will result in a more informed decision.
As part of that Hoeber also asked Council make a motion to suspend these amendments until public consultations have taken place and that rental housing providers and tenants are offered the opportunity to participate.
However, Councillor Randy Goulden explained by legislation Councils cannot suspend bylaws.
The reports were accepted by Council, and turned over to city administration for a follow-up report at a future meeting.
