Dear Editor,
Re: “City staff urge legalizing illegal hotels,” News, Jan. 3.
I am outraged. For the past four to five years, individuals have been renting out rooms in their homes in contravention of existing bylaws.
Blaming weak bylaws and difficulty of enforcement, the city has turned a blind eye to this practice. Not one party has been charged.
Hello?!
Why not toughen the bylaws and fine people $5,000 for the first offence, enforce the bylaw and make an example, not excuses.
Craft the bylaw to ensure advertising a rental in an unlicensed facility is an offence. If the party does not pay the fine, add the penalty to their taxes.
I did not buy a home in a single-family residential neighbourhood to live next door to a Motel 6.
City council has a responsibility to protect the liveability of our neighbourhood and our community. If the existing council does not have the will to change and enforce the bylaws, it’s time for a change at city hall.
The silent majority has had enough of this issue. We need, and expect, actions not excuses.
Robert Bebluk
Richmond
