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㽶ƵֱPlayground bully㽶Ƶֱ: Councillor Hodge pushes back on housing legislation

Hodge had support from Councillor Ron Cannan to keep infill housing out of heritage areas
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Kelowna City Councillor Charlie Hodge. (Black Press file photo)

Councillor Charlie Hodge drew a round of applause at council㽶Ƶֱs Monday (Mar. 11) meeting for his stance on potential infill housing development in Kelowna㽶Ƶֱs heritage conservation area.

New provincial legislation sets out density targets for several zones in municipalities across B.C.

READ MORE: Frustration and acceptance for Kelowna council on housing legislation

㽶ƵֱI don㽶Ƶֱt think we㽶Ƶֱre leading by saying yes to this, I think we㽶Ƶֱre leading by saying no, not this time,㽶Ƶֱ Hodge added. 㽶ƵֱIf that is going to cost us something down the road㽶Ƶֱthen so be it.㽶Ƶֱ

The approximately 20 members of the public attending the meeting applauded the comment.

Ryan Smith, director of planning and development, said there was likely no ability to separate the heritage component from the rest of the legislation, noting it could cost the city if council pushed back.

㽶ƵֱMy response would just be speculation㽶Ƶֱ.but there may be things like grant funding applications㽶Ƶֱ.where it㽶Ƶֱs tens of millions of dollars that relate back to that decision.㽶Ƶֱ

Hodge likened the province㽶Ƶֱs actions to those of a playground bully.

㽶ƵֱIf somebody doesn㽶Ƶֱt stand up and say no they㽶Ƶֱre just going to continue to do it.㽶Ƶֱ

Councillor Ron Cannan was on the same page as Hodge.

㽶ƵֱWe have nothing to lose by saying no, this is our position as a council.㽶Ƶֱ

He noted that Penticton is holding several public open houses to hear residents㽶Ƶֱ comments on the provincial housing legislation.

㽶ƵֱThere㽶Ƶֱs a point where there㽶Ƶֱs a hill to die on and this is it for our heritage conservation area.㽶Ƶֱ

At a previous council meeting, Cannan suggested the city write the province asking that the few blocks in the Abbott Street and Marshall Street areas be exempt from the legislation.

Councillor Luke Stack sat on the other side of the issue, pointing out that staff are working on coming up with ideas on how to protect heritage areas.

㽶ƵֱI would rather focus on what we can do as a city rather than dig in our heels and say we㽶Ƶֱre not going to follow the province㽶Ƶֱs directive and you can㽶Ƶֱt make us.㽶Ƶֱ

At previous meetings, staff have recommended that infill developments in heritage areas be limited to four units on a single-family lot. Provincial legislation calls for six units.

Councillor Maxine DeHart suggested that concerned residents go directly to the source.

㽶ƵֱPerhaps go to your MLAs, they are your body. I㽶Ƶֱve put that in writing to many people.㽶Ƶֱ

Cannan made a motion to defer giving three readings to zoning bylaw amendments to conform to the legislation. It was defeated with just him and Hodge in favour.

Council then voted to give the three readings with Cannan and Hodge opposed. Councillor Gord Lovegrove recused himself from the discussion and vote citing a conflict of interest.

㽶ƵֱThis was not an easy decision by this council,㽶Ƶֱ said Mayor Tom Dyas. 㽶ƵֱWe know exactly the rules being imposed on us, not only in this particular area but areas throughout the community.㽶Ƶֱ

READ MORE: Police called to Kelowna home multiple times before roommate㽶Ƶֱs murder: Witness



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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