Bylaw must be flexible

Dear editor: I am a homeowner here in Kelowna. The home was built and finished in 2017. Everything was built to code and it passed inspection. Originally, it was to include an inlaw suite, but with that not working out, we installed a stove and rented it out.

Most people these days need help with the cost of owning a home as well as the mortgage payments.

A disgruntled former tenant reported that we had an illegal suite which is more than common here in Kelowna and even acknowledged by city staff. A bylaw officer arrived to tell us it was illegal and had to be decommissioned.

We had to pay for a permit and had 30 days to comply or the fine was $500 per day. We were told we could not apply for any permit to allow a suite. Our only option was to put someone out on the street a week after they moved in. No others options were available.

I just think this is so ridiculous. That city staff approve/ignore illegal lower suites as long as they don’t get reported. I have no issues giving the city their fees and taxes, but to be denied and forcing someone out of their home, along with making the home less affordable and possibly forcing a sale is wrong.

If Kelowna wants to make it into this century and allow the ability to buy a home at today’s prices, they have to be more flexible. Time for a change I think. Jim Stonehouse

Kelowna