Amended bylaw will be available online by Dec. 21
Dec 14, 2007 - 04:41 AM
By Jillian Follert
OSHAWA -- The contentious issue of student rental housing near UOIT will go back to the public in January, when the City hosts a second public meeting.
Earlier this year, City staff put forward a proposed bylaw to regulate rental housing near the campus.
The document was met with mixed reactions from students, homeowners, landlords and other stakeholders at a crowded meeting in October.
Taking their comments into account, staff have now written draft amendments to the bylaw and will be seeking public input again.
The amended bylaw and a report will be available to the public at www.oshawa.ca no later than Dec. 21.
A public meeting is expected to take place Jan. 14 at Eastdale Collegiate to gather feedback on the amended bylaw, with a special council meeting to follow at the same location on Jan. 21.
Dates, times and locations will be firmed up over the next week and advertised by the City.
Tensions between homeowners and students have escalated over the past year, as more and more landlords purchase homes near campus and convert them to student rentals.
The bylaw originally proposed by the City would require anyone renting out all or part of a residential building to apply for a City licence.
It would also require properties to meet building code and property standards, while each licensed home would be allowed a maximum of four bedrooms -- although the City will not regulate how many people can actually live in the homes.
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