The city could be on its way to refunding more than $180,000 to landlords who already ponied up for a residential business licence before the summer's end.
During Monday night's meeting, city council will be asked to pass first and second reading on a change to the business regulation and licencing bylaw, formalizing the April 14 vote to repeal the fee for rental units such as secondary suites and duplexes.
According to a report from planning director Ian Wells, city staff will prepare 1,187 refund cheques to affected property owners if the bylaw amendment receives final reading.
Residential building rentals would be changed from being defined as "any building or portion of any building with one or more dwelling units rented out for residential purposes" to being applicable to buildings with three or more units.
Last month, Coun. Frank Everitt pushed for the change, calling the bylaw that implemented the $155 fee "unworkable." He was supported by councillors Lyn Hall, Brian Skakun, Murry Krause and Garth Frizzell.
A projected $450,000 in net revenue was expected from residential business licences fees, which went into effect Jan. 1, as part of the 2014 budget.
"Should council approve the proposed change to the residential rental business licences, administration will work with the 2014 operating budget to reallocate funds for the lost revenue," Wells wrote. "No new employees have been hired in 2014 from the anticipated revenue from residential rental business licences; however, the loss in revenue will create operating impacts."
A letter from a resident included in the correspondence portion of Monday night's agenda expresses disappointment with those who voted to take back the fee.
"I hope that those who said the bylaw wouldn't help the safety in neighbourhoods will rethink their decision," they wrote. "Look at the difference at the Ranch Motel. It works. People are forced to clean up their property re: criminal behaviour or else lose the right to rent."
