Basement Suites, Coming to YOUR Single-Family Neighbourhood
Oak Bay Watch “Flash” Bulletin
Council sidestepped transparency again at its February 13, 2018 Council Meeting.
FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE, TRANSPARENCY, AND COLLABORATION IN THE DECISION ARE REQUIRED BEFORE AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.
PLEASE! MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND COUNCIL ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2018 at 7:00 pm AND/OR EMAIL “Mayor in Council” at
[email protected] with your Views or Submission.
Oak Bay Watch “Flash” Bulletin
Council sidestepped transparency again at its February 13, 2018 Council Meeting.
- On Monday, February 26, 2018, 7:00 pm at Municipal Hall, a resolution by Councillor Ney wants Council to direct Staff to prepare a report for the development of a Process, Bylaws, and Implementation of a Secondary Suite Program in Oak Bay. If approved by the expected 4-3 vote means there will be no way to prevent one more arbitrary expected 4-3 vote to legalize basement suites in our neighbourhoods - without the necessary public input.
- INSTRUCTING STAFF TO DEVELOP a basement suite program is contrary to the Official Community Plan (OCP).
- THE OCP IS QUITE CLEAR on what process is required: it states these types of infill development must first provide Transparency and Information, “In consultation with the Public, develop criteria and guidelines with which to review proposals and evaluate their contextual fit”.
- IF APPROVED, Basement Suite Legalization will have Densification & Taxation Impacts for single–family neighbourhoods far beyond any “Development Decision” this Council, and most likely previous Councils have made to date.
- THIS OVER-DENSIFICATION INITIATIVE could be moved forward with little public awareness! The Resolution sidesteps full resident consideration at scheduled Council committees & town hall meetings – WHY IS THIS?
- Here are some proven facts. Enforcement is very complex and costly. Very few illegal suites are registered after legalization & the numbers increase. There could be major liabilities for the municipality. Councils are forced to choose between illegal suite businesses or safety.
FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE, TRANSPARENCY, AND COLLABORATION IN THE DECISION ARE REQUIRED BEFORE AN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.
PLEASE! MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND COUNCIL ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2018 at 7:00 pm AND/OR EMAIL “Mayor in Council” at
[email protected] with your Views or Submission.