HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRPS-05-042 - Lodging House Licence Review Committee
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Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Chair Vrbanovic and Members of the Finance & Corporate
Services Commitee
March 7, 2005
R. Gosse, Director of Legislated Services
R. Gosse
February 28, 2005
CRPS-05-042
LODGING HOUSE LICENCE - PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND
LICENCE REVIEW
RECOMMENDATION:
That continuation of the Licensing Review Committee, as established to address applications for
renewal of licensed lodging houses, be endorsed.
BACKGROUND:
In June 2003, Council adopted a motion to establish a public notification process with respect to
the renewal of lodging house licences. The process was to include notice that an application for
renewal was being considered and that the recipient could submit comments on the lodging
house to licensing staff. This notice was to be circulated to all owners and tenants within 60
metres of the lodging house.
The motion also directed to staff to investigate the feasibility of establishing a Licensing Review
Committee to receive and deal with the comments regarding the lodging houses.
REPORT:
For the 2004 lodging house licence renewal period, staff undertook the public notification
process as directed by Council. The comments, both positive and negative were received and
reviewed and staff came to the conclusion that of the approximate 25 lodging houses, 8
appeared to have problems. It was decided to pilot the Licensing Review Committee by setting
up meetings with the owners of the 8 houses. The members of the Committee were: the
Directors of Enforcement and Legislated Services, the Manager of Licensing and the Licensing
Inspector.
At each meeting, the owners were made aware of the comments received, the concerns
expressed by the neighbouring residents and concerns of staff. The issues and problems were
discussed and in each case, an agreement was reached on ways the owner could mitigate the
problems. In most cases it was pointed out that the lack of an on-site superintendent was an
issue. The owners agreed to have someone on-site to deal with day-to-day problems and to act
as a point of contact for enforcement staff and Police Services.
Staff have conducted a follow-up review of the 7 lodging houses and found that the owners
have complied with the agreed-to steps in resolving the concerns of the residents and staff. In
addition, no further complaints have been received by staff.
The one point of fact given to each owner was the alternative to the review committee; being a
hearing held by a tribunal of Council which could result in the loss of the licence. The owners
appreciated the seriousness of the situation, listened to the concerns of the area residents and
responded favourably. The result of the meetings were positive and staff believed that the time
spent in this type of mediation was beneficial to all stakeholders.
For the 2005 renewal period, a slightly revised notice will be sent to area residents asking once
again that they submit any comments on the lodging houses but, the notice will contain a
request that any comments pertain to the last 12 month period. This will assist staff in
determining if any issues raised are a continuation of previous problems or are new issues. The
Licensing Review Committee will continue to review the comments received and meet with the
owners of those lodging houses identified as having issues. Should the Committee be
unsuccessful in mediating a positive outcome regarding the issues, or any of the lodging houses
continue to exhibit a lack of regard to the issues raised, a report will be submitted to Council
recommending a hearing be held to review the licence.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
n/a
R. Gosse - Director of Legislated Services