Residents of the two manufactured home communities (MHC) in Kitimat, in the far northern reaches of British Columbia (BC), are on track to receive more security should their communities be repurposed, according to what northernsentinel tells MHProNews. The proposed policy of the Kitimat District will establish time frames and remuneration from the community owners.

Under the current B.C. Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, the owners have to give 12 months notice and compensation equivalent to 12 months rent if the community is to close. The proposed regulation would require a 24 month notice of intention to develop, but the relocation/compensation plan has yet to be decided.

Options discussed included payment under the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act, value of the home, or a straight dollar amount. Councillors suggested payments ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, but ultimately decided to have staff research the issue and come back with suggestions. A relocation plan also needs to be established.

Meanwhile, the owners of the two communities—Jed Stumps Estates and Vista Village—both essentially said the city does not have the same land development issues as the lower mainland, and that the policy is not needed.

The Manufactured Home Park Owners Alliance of B.C. suggested Council should discourage redevelopment altogether.

The Council adopted the policy at their Nov. 23, 2015 Committee of the Whole meeting, and included in the motion referral to staff for suggestions. ##

Photo credit: Sage Creek manufactured home community, British Columbia, Canada)

Article submitted by Matthew J. Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.