By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
A landlord’s bid to reconfigure a four-unit Chatham building into six units is a no go.
At least for now.
Chatham-Kent council quashed a zoning bylaw amendment application by the owners of 135 Semenyn Ave. in a 15-0 vote – even though the change was recommended by municipal planning staff.
The unanimous vote recently followed six deputations, some from long-term tenants who have lived in the building for more than a decade. Some stated the landlord’s proposed change is nothing but a renoviction.
At least two of the units, one on the bottom floor and one on the upper floor, house three generations of one family. Zoey Labelle, 12, was among the six individuals who addressed council.
In her comments, the youth told council that “having a stable place to live” is important to her family.
“When people talk about buildings and renos, it can sound like just plans or numbers” the young woman said. “But for families like mine, it’s our home.
“I know council has to make important decisions on housing, but I hope you will think about the people who already live there,” Labelle added.
The property, owned by Derek Rumble and Sara Peternel, is located on a corner lot on Semenyn Avenue and Couture Drive. The proposed change would see four three-bedroom units repurposed into six one-bedroom units.
However, councillors couldn’t get behind the proposed changes.
In his comments, South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle said C-K does need more housing, but to “potentially make two different families homeless, who can’t afford to go somewhere else, isn’t really the point of what we are trying to do either.
“So, I morally can’t support something like this,” Doyle said.
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew said she couldn’t support the application as it is “morally wrong” to displace families, adding it’s the first time she hasn’t supported a zoning change in her political career.
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor noted the issue is another opportunity to examine the role municipalities play in housing and N-13 renovictions.
“So, I think we need to reflect both on provincial policies and the lack of protections for renters, particularly renters right now facing renovictions,” he said.
According to Storey Samways Ltd. planner David French, who represented the owners, they have the option to maintain the status quo and convert units as they become available, but the zoning change is still needed to do that.
Or, said French, the owners can appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
