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Province provides clarity for short-term rentals operating in strata hotels, motels

THE Province said on Wednesday that it is taking action to make sure new short-term rental rules will continue to provide more long-term homes for people, while helping ensure certain existing strata hotels and motels will be able to continue providing overnight accommodation.

Upcoming regulations are intended to provide criteria for exemptions for strata hotels and motels from the Province’s principal-residence requirement for short-term rentals, which is set to go into effect in many B.C. communities on May 1, 2024.

When the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act was introduced in fall 2023, the Province exempted strata hotels and motels. Details are now being provided about the exemption to give greater certainty ahead of spring and summer tourist seasons.

The new regulations, which are anticipated in April 2024 (subject to government approvals), are expected to include an exemption from the principal-residence requirement for certain strata-titled hotels and motels, so they can continue to operate. Strata hotels and motels are facilities made up of individually owned strata lots, where accommodation is provided in a manner similar to a hotel or motel. Units in strata hotels and motels are often managed and rented out by the strata hotel or motel, not the individual.

It is expected that an existing strata hotel or motel will be exempt from the principal-residence requirement if one of the following two options applies.

1. Before December 8, 2023, accommodation was being provided in a manner similar to a hotel or motel and on December 8, 2023, the strata hotel or motel had and continues to have all of the following, which are provided in a manner similar to a hotel or motel:

* a staffed front desk on site;

* one or more employees or contractors that provide housekeeping services for overnight accommodations; and

* a platform providing platform services available exclusively for the use of owners offering short-term rentals at the property.

2. Before December 8, 2023, accommodation was being provided in a manner similar to a hotel or motel, and more than one strata lot on the property is not able to be used as a principal residence by anyone due to a restriction under:

* zoning;

* a rental management agreement between the manager and an owner of a strata lot; or

* a restrictive covenant or a covenant under section 219 of the Land Title Act.

The exemption for strata hotels and motels is expected to apply to all units on the property, so there is consistent treatment of all of the units for the entire property. Other properties, such as existing residential buildings that do not meet the above requirements, will not meet this exemption from the Province’s principal-residence requirement.

For newly constructed strata hotels and motels, which were first capable of being occupied on or after December 8, 2023, to be exempt from the principal-residence requirement, it is expected that they must have all three services listed above in Option 1, in addition to one of the legal-use restrictions described in Option 2.

Action to turn more short-term rentals into long-term homes is part the Province’s Homes for People action plan. Announced in spring 2023, the plan builds on historic action to deliver housing since 2017 and sets out further actions to deliver the homes people need faster, while creating more vibrant communities throughout B.C.

Government to launch new Tenant Protection Fund and Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights, ensure renters get credit for on-time rent payments

Justin Trudeau

PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday announced measures from the upcoming Budget 2024 that he said were to make the playing field fairer for renters and make it easier for them to become homeowners.

These measures include:

  • Launching a new $15 million Tenant Protection Fund. This would provide funding to provincial legal aid organizations to better protect tenants against unfairly rising rent payments, renovictions, or bad landlords.
  • Creating a new Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights, developed and implemented in partnership with provinces and territories. This would require landlords to disclose a clear history of apartment pricing so renters can bargain fairly. The government will also crack down on renovictions, create a nationwide standard lease agreement, and give renters more agency.
  • Making sure renters get credit for on-time rent payments. Renters deserve credit for the money they put toward rent over the years, especially when it comes time to apply for a mortgage for their first home. The government is going to amend the Canadian Mortgage Charter and call on landlords, banks, credit bureaus, and fintech companies to make sure that rental history is taken into account in the renters’ credit score.

Trudeau said that this was about protecting renters. But this was also about generational fairness – making sure Millennials and Gen Z, who are most likely to rent, get a level playing field in the rental market. This is just one of the things that the government is going to be doing in this budget to build an economy that is fair for every generation.

 

Quick Facts:

  • The Government of Canada’s Budget 2024 will be tabled in the House of Commons by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on Tuesday, April 16
  • The measures outlined above build on the progress the government has already made to help renters become homeowners, address the unique challenges they face, and build more rental housing across Canada, including:
    • Launching the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, which is already helping over 500,000 Canadians save faster for their first downpayment.
    • Removing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from new rental housing to incentivize the construction of more apartment buildings, student housing, and seniors’ residences built for long-term rental accommodation.
    • Unlocking $20 billion in new financing to support up to 30,000 more rental apartments per year by increasing the annual limit for Canada Mortgage Bonds from $40 billion to up to $60 billion.
    • Helping low-income Canadians with the cost of housing by delivering direct rent support through the Canada Housing Benefit, an initiative jointly funded and co-developed with provinces and territories. The federal government recently announced a $99 million top-up to this benefit to make rent more affordable for Canadians. By 2027-28, the Canada Housing Benefit is expected to have helped over 300,000 low-income households with the cost of rent.
  • Canada’s economic plan is to build more homes faster and to make housing more affordable. This plan also includes:
    • The Apartment Construction Loan Program, a $40+ billion initiative that boosts the construction of new rental homes by providing low-cost financing to homebuilders. Since 2017, the Apartment Construction Loan Program has committed over $17 billion in loans to support the creation of more than 48,000 new rental homes. It is on track to build 101,000 new rental homes across Canada by 2031-32.
    • The Affordable Housing Fund, a $14+ billion initiative that supports the creation of new market and below-market rental housing and the repair and renewal of existing housing. It is designed to attract partnerships and investments to develop projects that meet a broad spectrum of housing needs, from shelters to affordable homeownership. As of December 31, 2023, the Fund has committed $8+ billion to repair or renew over 150,000 homes and support the construction of more than 32,000 new homes.
    • The Housing Accelerator Fund, a $4 billion initiative that encourages municipalities to incentivize building by making transformative changes, such as removing prohibitive zoning barriers. To date, the federal government has signed 179 Housing Accelerator Fund agreements which, combined, will fast-track an estimated total of over 750,000 housing units across the country over the next decade.
    • The Rapid Housing Initiative, a $4 billion fund that is fast-tracking the construction of 15,500 new affordable homes for people experiencing homelessness or in severe housing need by 2026. The Rapid Housing Initiative also supports the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units, focusing on the housing needs of the most vulnerable, including people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, women fleeing domestic violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities.
  • Progress on these and other programs and initiatives under Canada’s National Housing Strategy are updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
  • Since 2015, the federal government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home.

Break-and-enter at White Rock Jewellers at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre

videosnatch

SURREY RCMP said on Wednesday that on Monday, March 25 at 4:18 a.m., they responded to a report of a break-and-enter in progress at a South Surrey mall in the 1700 block of 152 Street, where suspects stole an undisclosed amount of jewelry.

Police with assistance from the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services (PDS) searched the area but the suspects had already fled the scene.  Police believe the four suspects departed in a dark coloured SUV.

According to video and information released by Andy Nguyen on the South Surrey / White Rock Community Group’s Facebook, four individuals targeted White Rock Jewellers at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre.

Nguyen wrote: “During the robbery, my family’s hard earned valuables were stolen and property destroyed, leaving us deeply shaken. While the loss of inventory is significant, the emotional toll runs even deeper. White Rock Jewellers, a symbol of our family’s dedication and passion, now bears the scars of this traumatic event.”

Cpl. James Mason of the Surrey RCMP Media Relations Unit said: “The Surrey RCMP Property Crime Unit has been engaged in this investigation and are actively working to identify and arrest the suspects. The brazen action of these individuals is a concerning reminder of the impact criminals can have on our community.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident or anyone who has CCTV or dash camera footage from the area during the related timeframe is asked to call the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file 2024-41717.

VERICO Superior Mortgage Inc. is a finalist for Best Regional Brokerage – BC award

 Sharnjit Singh Gill

THE prestigious Mortgage Awards of Excellence 2024 has selected Surrey-based VERICO Superior Mortgage Inc. as a finalist for Best Regional Brokerage – BC award. The award is sponsored by HomeEquity Bank.

What is more, Sharnjit Singh Gill, President and CEO of the company, is also a finalist in the Broker of the Year (Regional – British Columbia) category of the 2024 Canadian Mortgage Awards (CMAs).

Jared Dreyer, Chair, Mortgage Awards of Excellence, said: “This accomplishment is a testament to your exceptional contributions and dedication to the mortgage industry.”

He noted: “Out of over 1,000 nominations, your outstanding performance has earned you this well-deserved recognition. It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge your achievements and celebrate your success.”

Gill said: “Hard work and honesty go long way to become a finalist for the Best Regional Brokerage – BC award.”

He added: “We have a small team, but we still became a finalist for this award.”

The award recognizes one brokerage or sub-brokerage that has demonstrated the ability to succeed and grow within its respective regional market while delivering an exceptional experience for its clients and/or agents.

The winner will be announced on May 15 in Vaughan, Ontario.

Gills’ expertise over the past five decades spans three continents. He has completed 54 years in banking and mortgages in India, the UK and Canada.

Male shot in Surrey’s Cloverdale area

SURREY RCMP are currently on scene in the Cloverdale area of Surrey following a shooting.

At approximately 10:44 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of shots fired in the 8500-block of Richardson Drive.

Officers located a male victim suffering injuries consistent with having been shot.  He was transported to local hospital for medical treatment.

There are no individuals in custody.

Officers are conducting neighbourhood canvassing and speaking with witnesses to obtain further information. The investigation is still in its early stages and police are working to determine the possible motive for the shooting.

Anyone with information, including dash cam footage around the area between 84 Avenue and 88 Avenue and 168 Street and 172 Street between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.,  is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file #2024-42654.

Attempted child-luring outside an East Vancouver Skytrain station

VANCOUVER Police are appealing for witnesses after a stranger tried to coax a teenaged boy into performing sexual acts last Friday (March 22) near an East Vancouver Skytrain station.

“This must have been a frightening and disturbing experience for the teenager, who was just walking home when he was approached by a man who made him feel unsafe,” said Constable Tania Visintin on Tuesday. “The teen did exactly what he was supposed to do by quickly going somewhere safe and reporting the incident to a trusted adult.”

The incident happened at around 8 p.m. on March 22. The 13-year-old victim was approached by a man near Duchess Street and Euclid Avenue and was asked where he lives and where he was going. The boy walked away, but the suspect continued to follow him, this time asking the teen to perform sexual acts on him.

“We commend the boy, who immediately reported the incident to a family member, and later called VPD,” said Visintin. “This allowed our investigators to begin an investigation immediately.”

The suspect is described as a South Asian man, 20-30 years old with a skinny build. He is approximately 5’8”, has short dark hair and had a moustache at the time of the incident. He was carrying a blue umbrella and spoke with a South Asian accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 604-717-0600.

Man charged in 2018 Vancouver homicide

A man has been arrested and charged following a Vancouver Police investigation into a 2018 homicide.

On June 23, 2018, just after 11 a.m., an altercation between two people occurred in the south lane of West Hastings near Abbott Street. Abeal Negussie Abera, 26, was rushed to hospital with a stab wound and died of his injuries one week later.

BC Prosecution Service has approved a charge of manslaughter against 38-year-old Benny Rae Armstrong.

Armstrong was arrested on March 22 and remains in custody.

Richmond RCMP warns of escalating online romance and investment scams

 

RICHMOND RCMP are alerting the public to a significant rise in sophisticated online scams, combining romance and investment schemes to defraud residents of millions. These scams, often involving cryptocurrencies, have already cost Richmond residents over $16.64 million in reported losses since 2023.

In 2023, Richmond RCMP’s Economic Crime Unit, part of Richmond Organized Crime Unit, received 87 reports of such scams, with victims reporting total losses of approximately $16.17 million.

The trend continues in 2024, with 12 reported cases from January to March alone, amounting to losses of $477,820. Due to the nature of these scams, it is believed that the actual number of victims may be higher, as cases may go unreported due to embarrassment or fear.

These “long con” scams involve perpetrators grooming victims over weeks or months. Victims are lured through dating websites, social media, and even text messages, often under the guise of a mistaken identity. Over time, scammers, using fake yet compelling profiles, build a relationship with their targets, eventually convincing them to invest in fraudulent opportunities.

This method, commonly referred to as “pig butchering,” sees victims being “fattened” with false promises of profit, only to be financially “slaughtered” when they are left with nothing. Scammers may show false returns on small initial investments to entice further spending, leading victims down a path of financial ruin.

Richmond RCMP urge residents to exercise caution online. Be skeptical of unsolicited contacts, especially from overly attractive profiles or strangers professing romantic interest. Never send money or share financial information with someone you’ve not met in person. Before making any investments, particularly in cryptocurrency, seek advice from trusted, independent sources.

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of an online romance or investment scam:

* Preserve all communication and transaction records.
* Report the incident immediately to your bank, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and Richmond RCMP at the non-emergency line: 604-278-1212.

Education and awareness are the best defences against these scams. For more information on how to protect yourself from online scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

SPS and Special Olympics BC partner for Club Fit in Surrey

Photo: SPS

SURREY Police Service (SPS) and Special Olympics BC (SOBC) – Surrey have partnered to deliver “Club Fit Fridays” in Surrey for SOBC athletes aged 12 and up who have intellectual disabilities.

Club Fit is a Special Olympics fitness program designed specifically for Special Olympics athletes of varying skill levels to improve their health and fitness.

SPS Sgt. Dale Quiring is the lead coach for the new Surrey-based sessions, and Constable Miriam Michel is the co-coach. Quiring leads the SPS Community 1st Unit, which supports meaningful and long-term engagement with the community. The Community 1st officers have a particular focus on building relationships with vulnerable individuals to ensure that SPS is listening to all voices in the community they serve.

Club Fit Fridays, which began in November 2023, has brought back this SOBC program that had been inactive for several years in Surrey. Now, with this positive partnership in place, 8-15 participants are able to build muscle and self-confidence in a fun group setting each week. The one-hour sessions have proved to be beneficial to the instructors and participants alike, with all showing increased confidence, self-esteem, and fitness levels.

“We are grateful for Surrey Police Service’s support of Special Olympics BC,” says Special Olympics BC President and CEO, Dan Howe. “Seeing their strong relationship with SOBC–Surrey through their involvement with our Club Fit program and fundraising events means so much to the athletes. It gives them an empowering opportunity to find inclusion, friendship, and fitness through sport.”

“We are so pleased to have this partnership with Special Olympics BC. As Surrey’s new police service, it is critically important that our police officers connect with the many diverse communities we serve in a manner that makes them feel comfortable and supported,” says Surrey Police Service Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. “Facilitating opportunities for these dedicated athletes is a tremendous cause and we appreciate the opportunity to work with them.” 

Find more information about SOBC–Surrey at www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia/communities/surrey.

For more information on Surrey Police Service’s Community 1st Unit, visit www.surreypolice.ca/C1.

Surrey residents are reminded to leave tree pruning to the professionals

Photo: City of Surrey

THE City of Surrey wants to remind residents and business owners that it is against City bylaws to trim or cut trees on City property without permission. The City takes care of its trees by having trained arborist prune them regularly. City trees are typically pruned every three years until the age of nine and every five years thereafter.

Robin Landucci, Urban Forestry Manager, says it’s best to leave pruning or cutting trees to the professionals. “Trees are important assets, and we need to ensure we’re taking good care of them. The City hires experts to maintain trees for the safety of the public and the health of the trees,” he adds.

Protecting and maintaining the health of Surrey’s trees is vital to the community. Trees provide many benefits such as reducing urban temperatures and energy costs, managing rainwater, cleaning air, improving mental and physical wellbeing and increasing property values.

If you’re wondering if a tree near your property can be pruned or not, just call 604-501-5050. Remember, it’s against the rules to cut trees on City property without permission.

For more information, visit surrey.ca/treepruning.