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West Kelowna mobile home park rezoning postponed for a 2nd time

West Kelowna council has decided to postpone third reading to a zoning bylaw that will see the Shady Acres Mobile Home Park rezoned for industrial uses.

Kerr Properties is looking to build two proposed industrial buildings at 2355 Marshall Rd., which staff have said is consistent with future land use designation under the Official Community Plan.

In January, final reading was also deferred due to apprehension from city councillors and pushback from the residents who live in the mobile home park.

During the Tuesday meeting, council voted in favour of a deferring final reading for the second time until they get confirmation that four remaining residents will be eligible for compensation from the developer.

Although the developer has made a “comprehensive” relocation effort since January, which included working with non-profit agencies to help tenants find new homes, the four remaining tenants have chosen to take 12 months notice with compensation for their home.

According to a staff report, demolition of vacant manufactured homes on the property is underway excluding the four remaining occupied homes and the developer has indicated they remain committed to “providing ongoing relocation assistance” to the four remaining tenants.

Coun. Stephen Johnston said there was still some work that needed to be done in regard to making sure all relocated tenants are treated fairly.

“I do want to congratulate the developer, though, on making sure that the tenants have found suitable accommodation is what we’re hearing through the report,” coun. Johnston said.

“I still think on the ownership side, however, there’s a couple of things I’d like to see done. I do believe that we have one individual that needs some further consideration.”

One of the remaining tenants is seeking legal counsel in regard to his relocation.

Similar thoughts were shared by other council members.

Coun. Jason Friesen also congratulated the developer for their relocation efforts and he recognized that there may not be full compliance from all tenants and attribution was an option, however, he said that one tenant should still be treated with fairness.

“My understanding is that that gentleman did pay rent and pad rent for the entirety of his time there and now all of sudden when it's time to pay a fair sum for that home, all of a sudden it's an illegitimate building,” coun. Firesen said.

“For me, I totally understand we may not get 100% relocation but when we look at our policy and the intention, which is to provide fair transactions and fair opportunities for all residents.”

Coun. Freisen said he wanted to see all four tenants getting the same opportunity for relocation.

Although Coun. Carol Zanon also recognized the developers' efforts, she said she wanted to see a little more time given to finding a positive outcome and that all four tenants were treated on a ”fair and equal basis.”

Mayor Gord Milsom thanked the developer for their efforts too but he also said he wanted to see the tenants given more time to find a new place to live.

Milsom put forward the motion of postponing consideration until confirmation that all tenants will get compensation for their homes.

The motion was supported by an unanimous vote.



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