Advocating on behalf of residents during the city budget is something I do every year. Thank you to Castanet for writing a story on the fact I was the only resident to be at the public input sessions. I completely understand why more don’t go. I believe it’s important that our council and city address the issues residents are having and bring forth ways that will lessen the impact of taxation on residents.
Here is my full address to council, it’s two short videos as the sessions are a morning and afternoon one.
After the second part of my presentation to council I was told by planning that for air bnb that people will now be allowed to have them across the city under the new zoning regulations. All but too late for all those residents who received letters from bylaw to shut down prior to their busy summer season and had to decide if they’d rent long term or not. The city did not inform people of this change either that they’d now be able to run no matter where they are now. Once again I call this a failure of communication.
Edit note: Correcting for information that Lakeview Market is not closing. I was told incorrect information with regards to that so want to ensure my info is corrected. Apologies to anyone who my incorrect information may have caused issues.
Part 1 Morning Session:
Part 2 Afternoon Session: