Concerns have been raised in Renfrew County as a plan download duties pertaining to the Residential Tenancy Act to municipalities has been discovered.
Madawaska Valley’s Mayor Kim Love says in May information found within an affordable housing omnibus bill was revealed to show municipalities, effective June 2018, will be responsible for enforcement of maintenance standards and to handle prosecution within the act.
Love says it could potentially be a responsibility municipalities simply won’t be able to afford.
It was Greater Madawaska Mayor Glenda McKay who presented the information to the county and other municipalities.
It’s unclear why the province put such important changes in a small section of an omnibus bill with very little correspondence.
Love says it’s important for residents to have an outlet for their tenancy needs however it means municipalities will be enforcing provincial regulations.
Madawaska Valley’s council discussed the prospect with great detail and will be waiting for a resolution from the county warden.