Nenshi still doesn’t see solution to secondary suites problem
Posted Sep 12, 2016 2:49 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s an issue that has plagued the mayor since he first ran for office and it’s one that he thinks will still be there if he runs a third time.
Dozens of secondary suite applications awaited Calgary councillors Monday morning, and they are expected to keep them busy for the next two days.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi said if councillors were to all get on side to figure out a solution, it would take a few months to have a bylaw in place.
“I’m not sure this council is in a place to do that yet,” Nenshi said. “I think most of them are saying we’re going to live with this until after the 2017 election and then look at it again.”
“If anyone’s got a great idea on something they think they can help move the ball down the field that will get the support of a majority of members of this council, I’m happy to look at it.”
As it stands now, those seeking applications can do so in a letter or in front of council, where they can speak for five minutes before answering questions.
Nenshi referenced a recent University of Calgary study that stated Calgary is the worst place in Canada to be poor because of housing.
“Calgary is also the only city on that list that they examined where we have to go through this rigmarole,” he said. “Council has never said the current system works.”
Nenshi also once again pointed out that almost every other city in Canada has an administrative process where landlords can get permits to rent out their basement suites without having to go in front of council.
“I do not know why we are still so tied up in knots about it.”
