The City of Maple Ridge endorsed its Housing Action Plan in 2015. Since that time there have been considerable changes in the market, and more pressure and demand for rental housing. As part of the implementation of its Housing Action Plan, the City engaged CitySpaces to support the development of recommendations for a tenant relocation assistance policy. The purpose of this policy would be to ensure tenants in rental buildings affected by demolition and redevelopment are adequately notified, compensated and assisted in finding housing.
To provide support for a tenant relocation assistance policy, CitySpaces researched current regional pressures on rental housing redevelopment and the impact on populations at risk of displacement. Baseline indicators of this study included rate of change, new units by structural type, and the number of Residential Tenancy Branch dispute applications.
Our team also reviewed a number of case studies from other municipalities in the region that have municipal policy to support tenant relocation, with considerations for potential application to the City of Maple Ridge. The research culminated in a summary of comparable municipal policies and recommendations for implementation of a tenant relocation policy in Maple Ridge. These indicators included the triggers for application of the policy, relocation assistance plan requirements, and other considerations such as first right of refusal for new units and financial compensation to support tenant relocation.
The research informed staff’s presentation to Council and provided a rationale for next steps in implementing a tenant relocation policy for the City of Maple Ridge.
PROJECT TEAM
