RV-dwelling TNRD residents concerned about potential bylaw enforcement

Usually, Krause says the bylaw is enforced on a complaint basis, so the notice does not necessarily mean the TNRD will be investigating each and every property.

“If we get a complaint, or are made aware of an infraction, we investigate. We always start by communicating with the owner, trying to get voluntary compliance. We can also ticket, and in egregious cases, we can take court action and have done so in the past.” He explains, “But we always start with education, which again was the purpose of the press release- to get that information out there.”

However, after reading the release, some residents in the North Thompson and the rest of the District worry that potential enforcement of the bylaw would leave people using RVs for their living situations without any other options.

A group on Facebook has now formed, Thompson Nicola RV Rights, and spokesperson Tom Coles says members are discussing what their options are to appeal to the TNRD’s regulations.

“Something really needs to be done. Because going at it with this approach- this penalization and speaking of fines- I mean if somebody is living in a motor home or trailer because they have no other choice, the last thing they need is to be penalized and punished by their own government,” Coles says, “It’s a very unrealistic approach to a very real situation that is happening all throughout the province.”

For the most part, Coles says RV dwelling is not a case of people not wanting to follow the rules. He says the North Thompson is in a dire economic situation after multiple mill closures and curtailments. The financial strain has meant some residents have had to leave their homes and move into RVs.

“So some people have offered to tell these people, ‘If you’re living in an RV, and if we’re out in the countryside and we have an acreage, well then certainly come and park your RV.'”

Citing complaints from the public, along with safety and environmental concerns with septic system set-ups meant for temporary use, Krause says the TNRD zoning bylaw states that RVs are not buildings, and cannot be used as dwelling units.

He explains that recreational vehicles are allowed in commercially zoned campgrounds, RV parks, or when someone with an active building permit needs temporary shelter during construction.

“In this case, we’re not talking about somebody parking an RV in their driveway, or a one-off family visit. We’re talking about people setting up RVs, often adding decks, roof covers, other structures, and then living in them, or seasonally camping on residential property. That’s not allowed.”

Recognizing that the bylaw is in place for a reason, and RVs are not traditionally used as permanent homes, Coles says the group hopes the TNRD can channel compassion, and figure out a way to help people under financial strain.

“I can understand. You know, if you’re living in town, the last thing you want is your neighbour having RVs parked all over the driveway, or backyard, and people everywhere. It doesn’t make any sense,” He says, “However, things are quite different for us in rural areas that have acreages. In fact, most of the rural areas around here have RVs parked on them, and you would drive by them and never even notice.”

As far as how prevalent the issue is, Coles says the Thompson Nicola Region is not exactly overrun with RVs.

“The TNRD themselves put the estimate at the number of people they believe to be living in RVs to be 100,” He says, “Now, the TNRD is like 45,300 square kilometres. So that works out to what, one RV for every 453 square kilometres?”

Solutions wise, Coles speculates that an amendment could be made to the existing bylaws that would allow for those in rural areas to utilize RVs in this manner.

Amendments can be applied for, and Krause says TNRD residents have a right to do so. However, there are other factors in play with how bylaws are regulated.

“Our bylaws have to align with provincial regulations, as well as community plans and other provincial regulations. And an RV does not meet the required standards for dwelling use under the BC Building Code,” Krause explains, “So a property owner always has the right to apply for a land use amendment, but applying to use an RV as a dwelling, especially on a longer term basis- we’re not talking camping- that would be problematic. And it’s due to a variety of reasons, including health and safety concerns, tax equity, and property values.”

If an RV dwelling incident is found to have been caused by financial strain or hardship, Krause says the TNRD does address things on a case-by-case basis, and will work with the resident involved.

“Each case is different, depending on the severity of the issue. We’re not aware of anybody moving into an RV due to the mill closure. In fact, we have no complaints for the area impacted by the recent mill closure,” He says, “In other areas where we have come across people living in RVs as their primary residence due to hardship, we work with local social agencies to get them support, and help find placements without any enforcement. It was just done on communication.”

As far as what’s next for the Thompson Nicola RV Rights group, Coles says a petition has been set up, and they’re working on an amendment proposal to eventually present for the TNRD’s consideration.

“We plan to hold a public meeting, so we can present this to the public and get some more information and input,” Coles says, “Hopefully, shortly thereafter, we’ll be able to put it in writing and submit it to the TNRD, and see where we go from there.”

Krause encourages anyone with questions to contact the TNRD directly for clarification.

“We’re happy to talk to people, so my concern would be if people are hearing things online about how we’re suddenly upticking enforcement, or there are new rules that came in. That’s not the case,” He says, “We’re simply trying to educate, get the word out there about RV use, how it is not permitted, and try to educate so that we don’t have to use enforcement. That’s really what we would prefer.”

by Dylana Milobar

RV-dwelling TNRD residents concerned about potential bylaw enforcement

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