Maple Ridge needs renters to help form tenant protection bylaw

The City of Maple Ridge is looking for public input as it works to develop a Tenant Protection Bylaw for those who may displaced in the event of redevelopment, such as renters in purpose-built rental buildings.

Last year, council directed staff to transition the city’s existing Tenant Relocation Assistance Policy into a formal bylaw to provide stronger, enforceable protections for tenants in purpose-built rental buildings. The proposed bylaw is anticipated to return to council for consideration in May.

The city has retained external consultant Happy Cities to talk to renters across approximately 50 purpose-built rental properties.

“The proposed Tenant Protection Bylaw would give Council enhanced regulatory tools to protect tenants who may be displaced as redevelopment pressures increase, particularly in areas with older two- to three-storey rental buildings that may be candidates for intensification,” said the city.

Currently, if redevelopment results in tenant displacement, the following protections are already included in the current Tenant Relocation Assistance Policy:

• Lump-sum compensation payments, scaled based on length of tenure
• Relocation assistance, including moving costs
• Access to a tenant relocation coordinator to support communication and planning
• “Right of First Refusal”, providing tenants the opportunity to return to a replacement unit in the new building on the same site

All compensation and relocation supports would be fully funded by the developer.

The tenant survey will gather data on:

• Household income levels and rent burden
• Housing stability and vulnerability
• Likelihood of returning to the neighbourhood if displaced
• Expectations regarding compensation and replacement housing

“Renters in purpose-built rental housing are often underrepresented in public processes,” said the city. “This targeted survey proactively ensures their perspectives are reflected in the development of the bylaw.”

The initiative also responds to changes in provincial planning legislation that optimize residential density in areas such as Transit-Oriented Areas and limit public hearings when rezonings align with the Official Community Plan. Within this evolving framework, the City is using available tools to continue engaging residents in meaningful ways.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and targeted to renters in identified purpose-built rental buildings.

Balancing Growth and Protection
While redevelopment pressures are largely market-driven and affect privately owned properties, the City is taking proactive steps to mitigate potential displacement impacts. The proposed bylaw would not prevent redevelopment. Instead, it would ensure tenants are treated fairly and supported throughout the process.

To learn more about the current Tenant Relocation Assistance Policy and the development of the Tenant Protection Bylaw, visit MapleRidge.ca/TenantPolicies. 
For additional information, contact Louisa-May Khoo, Community Planner, at LKhoo@MapleRidge.ca.