Revelstoke city officials are revisiting how to protect mobile home park residents from being displaced during redevelopment projects. After weeks of discussion and a decision to repeal a nearly 50-year-old bylaw, the city is considering new amendments to its 2023 redevelopment policy. Residents and councillors are now debating how to balance development needs with tenant protections.

Push to Repeal 1976 Bylaw Ends

On June 12, Revelstoke’s committee of the whole decided not to pursue broader public engagement on repealing the city’s 1976 Mobile Home Park Bylaw. The bylaw, created to regulate mobile home park operations, has become outdated. City officials viewed its repeal as a housekeeping task, stating that it had already been replaced by newer policies. A proposal for a public information session was voted down, with the city instead planning to notify affected residents directly in the future.

Resident Advocates for Policy Reform

Matt Coté, a tenant at Hideaway Trailer Park, brought forward concerns during the May 15 committee meeting. He called for changes to the 2023 Manufactured Home Park Redevelopment, Residential Tenant Protection, and Strata Conversion Policy. Coté argued that current protections are not enough to prevent landlords from interfering with the sale of manufactured homes or exploiting residents during redevelopment.

Financial Barriers to Selling Homes

Coté highlighted a key issue affecting mobile home owners across British Columbia. Some park owners reportedly refuse to sign forms needed by banks, making it harder for tenants to secure mortgages or sell their homes. This has created a pattern where landlords can push down home values and buy out residents more easily. Although provincial rules require compensation when residents are asked to vacate, those with homes valued over $65,000 must seek legal recourse through the B.C. Supreme Court.

Calls for Stronger Compensation & Oversight

In his address to city officials, Coté asked that Revelstoke follow examples set by other municipalities like Kelowna, Mission and Langley. These cities have introduced policies that set clearer compensation standards and offer greater oversight during redevelopment. He also criticized the original drafting of Revelstoke’s 2023 policy, saying it lacked public input.

City Officials Defend Current Approach

Planning director Paul Simon responded that the city’s policy was designed to avoid displacing tenants. He emphasized that while redevelopment applications cannot legally be blocked, rezoning requests for mobile home parks are unlikely to be supported under current guidelines. Simon also mentioned that staff are working to keep manufactured home parks viable by allowing more flexible land use rather than outright redevelopment.

Mixed Opinions Among Councillors

Councillor Lee Devlin supported the idea that the policy’s intention is to preserve affordable housing rather than promote redevelopment. Councillor Austin Luciow, a mobile home resident himself, echoed this sentiment. However, Councillor Aaron Orlando strongly disagreed. He said the city missed a chance in 2023 to involve key local organizations like the Revelstoke Community Housing Society in shaping the policy.

Real-Life Impact on Tenants

Orlando pointed to serious consequences that current policies have had on mobile home residents. He shared examples of tenants unable to sell their homes or relocate for job opportunities because of policy gaps. He stressed that these were not theoretical issues but real challenges affecting his constituents.