Editor:
Re: Thin Edge of the Wedge, Observer Feedback, Feb. 22.
Paull refers to “our” city and yet talks as if he owns it.
Paull’s comments harken back to feudal times, when a moat separated the castle from the plebeian masses.
This is the worst kind of elitist and undemocratic thinking and quite frankly I believe it smacks of bullying.
He mentions depressed real estate prices in western Canada as the possible result of secondary suites when the regulations don’t yet exist.
As a landlord, I can attest that rental rates in Quesnel are at all time highs. The return on real estate investments is quite reasonable thanks in large part to a shortage of suites.
Open zoning that other cities have adopted doesn’t imply that owners are free to do whatever they want, very much the opposite.
The current underground rental business will become a business that must live up to guidelines and pay its fair share of expenses.
Our city is attempting to lead the way to meet the demands of its citizens. Council’s proposal addresses concerns and guides investors and property owners wisely. As a business person I like the idea that I can invest in all areas of the city.
As to the city’s enforcement of bylaws, I can attest to their vigilance and don’t object to it.
There is a demand for rental units in nice, safe neighbourhoods.
People purchase and live in this area because they like the neighbourhood.
Buying or investing in any kind of property does not come with a perpetual guarantee of any kind.
Certainly Johnston neighbourhood has dated infrastructure in need of revamping. The increase of taxes that will come with new secondary suites will help pay for such needed infrastructure improvements.
Trying to incite the residents of Johnston neighbourhood to believe that there will be an influx of either investors or renters is both delusional and irrational.
The facts are that not all seniors want to live in a senior’s complex, not all students want to live in a dormitory and not all new residents want to buy immediately upon arrival, but all of these folks do want to live in a clean and safe neighbourhood.
If Paull is challenged by driving in his neighbourhood as a result of traffic or population, perhaps he should enrol in a driving school.
Ernest Gamache
Quesnel