Challenging Strata Act

Re. B. Moore’s letter Unhappy with Strata Act (Castanet, Jan. 16)

I agree with B. Moore that (B.C. Premier) David Eby's knee-jerk reaction to put together ill-conceived changes to the Strata Property Act is a total disgrace.

Nothing was mentioned during his tenure as housing minister, but then again he didn't do much anyways. Now as premier, he feels he can dictate whatever he wants.

Basically his changes are outright trespassing on our private property, which I am sure is illegal if challenged in the courts. There was no chance for the Opposition to speak about the changes as the premier closed discussion and the Legislature for the Christmas break immediately after a quick vote on the changes.

Where is our democracy going if this premier thinks he can thwart all discussion at will?

I am sure he would argue vigorously if the City of Vancouver decided to reduce their carbon footprint by creating a community garbage bin on his wide driveway for the neighbourhood to use in an effort to reduce the multiple bins lined up on the streets.

Our 16-unit self-managed townhouse strata has been around for 28 years. All current and previous residents wanted to live here because it is a quiet retirement community. Everyone pitches in to help with maintenance.

Opening up our complex to a Lower Mainland investor who would find our $500,000 and less units very desirable as rental units will create a major headache for all of us. Renters do not have any interest in maintaining the property. The landlord could care less as any losses are tax deductible. We then would have to apply to Residential Tenancy Branch. which has long been known for slow, meaningless action against renters. Thank you very much Mr. Eby.

Does the government even care? I wrote to the newly appointed parliamentary secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, who happens to be the MLA for Vernon-Monashee, and she could care less about this issue her government has created for seniors throughout the province. I guess as an up and comer, she doesn't want to rock the boat.

I have also written to the premier's office and the new housing minister's office twice. You guessed it, no acknowledgement or reply. Total arrogance.

We have just had our special meeting to approve the creation of a 55-plus bylaw to protect our age limit. It is now at the lawyers for processing. However, we cannot stop rentals, so that only prevents one aspect of the problems. We have also passed a motion to create a no short-term rental bylaw to prevent AirBnB's operating in our complex.

It should be noted, the housing minister said the government did not think the 55-plus bylaws would be that prevalent in the community, as most complexes would not be able to muster the 75% approval to make the change.

Is a class action law suit needed to force the government to retract their aggressive changes to the Strata Property Act?

Are the housing minister and the premier prepared to attend a public meeting in the Okanagan to listen to the people? I doubt it, as we would not be able to provide the executive lunches and dinners that a meeting with rich landlords in the Lower Mainland could provide them.

It is often said people have a very low respect for our elected officials. This is one example of why we feel that way.

L. Thachuk, Armstrong