The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is calling on the province to modify various regulations to make it easier for those forced to live in recreation vehicles year-round.
A resolution proposed by the Sunshine Coast Regional District said that, as the province has responsibility for housing, there needs to be modifications to unclear aspects of the B.C. Building Code, the Motor Vehicle Act, and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act.
The resolution further asked that the B.C. government develop regulations for ensuring health and safety for the use of RVs for year-round living, and for their inclusion within the BC Housing Action Plan.
On Thursday, Sechelt Coun. Alton Toth told UBCM delegates that the issue is part of the province’s housing crisis.
“We need the regulations provincewide to make sure people live in safe and manageable conditions,” Toth said.
Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District director John McNabb, however, said RVs are not designed to live in year-round. Rather, he said, they are for temporary use.
“This is not moving in the right direction,” he said of the resolution.
Mission Mayor Paul Horn refuted McNabb, though.
“Nobody wants to live year-round in an RV,” he said. “This is a last-ditch effort to have somewhere to live. We have to help people, for maybe this is their last hope.”
Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells said such changes are part of making sure vulnerable people are safe.
The annual UBCM conference gives officials an opportunity to address issues impacting the province and its people. The convention, hosted in Whistler, wraps up Sept. 16.
