Dear Editor:
To be self-sufficient and make a home for themselves, a family member with their RV came to my property.
High rents and a lack of rental housing in Summerland prompted them to work on their tiny home and use my utilities.
Then COVID-19 came and they were not nearly finished. Jobs were lost and other hardships presented. Times are tough and work hours still have not returned to normal. Some still have no work at all.
READ ALSO: LETTER: Summerland’s short-term rental policy must be examined
READ ALSO: LETTER: Bylaws needed for short-term rentals
On Jan. 5, 2021, an eviction notice was served by the municipality of Summerland and they were given 30 days to vacate. A $100 fine is to be imposed for every day over the date given.
Apparently there is a crackdown on illegal suites and residents living in RVs in our community,
The RV is classified as a secondary residence and is not allowed to be lived in under our local bylaw.
There are many others in the same situation, also facing eviction with no place to go.
Campgrounds are closed and RV parks are full. The lack of rental housing available in town for a family or even a single person do not exist. We have tried.
In the summer months, family and guests are allowed to stay in RVs in the yard while they holiday here.
The kids in this family attend middle school and their mom works in the community.
Bylaws should be reconsidered until places become available.
COVID-19 is enough of a challenge without the stress of eviction and homelessness in winter.
Barbara Norris
Summerland