My husband and I recently had the opportunity, along with quite a few neighbours, to observe North Cowichan council in action regarding rezoning a duplex into a fourplex.
All of us opposed this bylaw change. The duplex in question has been operating for at least three years as an illegal fourplex. It has only two addresses, and has been taking advantage of garbage collection, water and taxes as a duplex. When the mayor was asked if the landlord would have to pay any penalty for these back fees, he said that there would probably be no retroactive fees for this infraction.
The landlord has been fined, so the city planners have been aware of this problem for some time.
It’s a good thing that nobody has been harmed throughout this time period (ex. fire). I wonder if the council could be held liable if anything happened.
We are very disappointed in the way the council has handled this whole situation. At the last council meeting it was passed and rezoned in the landlord’s favour. At the present time I think it is being rented out as a fourplex.
I guess if you want the extra income, you just go and do what you want. Congratulations!
Terry and Renee June
North Cowichan