This is my second letter submitted regarding the lack of affordable rental housing in Pemberton. I was pleasantly surprised by the initial response from the Village of Pemberton.
I was informed my letter would be discussed at the next regular council meeting. This was a sign to me the mayor and council were taking the issue seriously and would begin a constructive discussion on affordable rental housing in Pemberton.
I eagerly watched the council meeting via Zoom on April 5. To my extreme disappointment, this “discussion” lasted less than 90 seconds. Mayor Mike Richman advised the council of my suggestions to reduce annual property tax for homeowners renting to long-term tenants, and a suggested cap on the maximum amount of rent charged per unit. Councillor Ted Craddock stated, “We can’t reduce property tax.”
Coun. Amica Antonelli raised the question of if Airbnb rentals should be investigated. This was quickly dismissed as a non-issue due to the Village having in place a short-term rental license requirement. Regarding a cap on rent, Coun. Craddock stated that mortgages are higher now, which is why rents are higher. Mayor Richman chose not to comment in any capacity, other than to forward a motion that I receive a response to my letter.
I am utterly flabbergasted by this inaction. Why are our elected officials essentially shrugging their shoulders and saying there is nothing they can do? Not even taking five minutes to discuss this issue indicates their complete disconnect from families like mine that depend on rental stock for housing. Why can’t we reduce property tax? Having long-term tenants increases the per capita spend in our local businesses. Long- term tenants shop in our stores, enrol their children in community centre programs, and work in our local businesses. I understand property taxes keep the municipality funded, but why is the benefit of long-term tenants to our community not factored in?
Why can’t the Village investigate the current use of secondary suites in Pemberton? A simple survey of homeowners with registered secondary suites would give the Village a clearer picture on how many of these suites are not in the rental pool.
As for Coun. Craddock’s comments on mortgages and rental prices, I respectfully suggest he educate himself on the gentrification occurring in our community. When people sell their overvalued homes in the Lower Mainland, they arrive in Pemberton pleasantly surprised their mortgage has become affordable. This allows them to let their secondary suites go vacant. The continual rapid increase in monthly rent charged is solely due to the unprecedented lack of supply.
Pemberton’s “Age-Friendly Affordable Housing Action Plan” from October 2019 states that it “seeks to create an inclusive and age-friendly community that has a full range of affordable housing types and tenures for current and future residents of all income, ages, lifestyles and abilities.” Strategic Direction No. 3 in this plan states the intent to “Provide information and outreach to community members.” Does this statement exclude renters? Is the Village only interested in the ideas and opinions of homeowners as they are the people paying property taxes? I am tired of renters being looked down on as “less than.” I am tired of being told we can’t look at an available suite because we have a child. I am heartbroken hearing from others in our community that must move elsewhere as they cannot find a home.
This exodus of the people that work in our businesses should be spurring discussion and a willingness to examine new ideas. The availability of affordable rental housing for low- to middle-income earners is directly tied to the viability of our community. A community is only healthy when all of those in it are valued, their voices are heard, and action is taken in times of need. If what I witnessed during the council meeting was municipal politics at work, then no wonder the status quo is not being challenged. It is time for action, for new ideas and possible solutions, and time to spur decisive change.
I am pleased to report a very constructive telephone conversation with MLA Jordan Sturdy on April 11. He listened to my concerns, shared his own experience with the housing crisis and gave suggestions on how to further this cause on a municipal level. This 30-minute phone call made me feel my voice has been heard, at least at a provincial level. This is the level of personal attention to constituents, concern for the future of our community, and open discourse I expected from our mayor and council.
