Spero House in Kamloops (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

Tenancy Act Changes

‘This, I think, is that balance’; ASK Wellness CEO Hughes applauds provincial changes to RTA

Mar 5, 2026 | 4:38 PM

KAMLOOPS — Supportive housing providers in British Columbia will now have more tools to deal with tenants who may be causing issues in their buildings or the community after changes to the residential tenancy act.

“The majority of the approximately 15,000 people living in supportive housing create a positive community in their homes and with their neighbours. Operators of supportive housing are calling for more tools and support to deal with rare problematic tenants and guests,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “By providing new tools to keep tenants and staff safe, we can continue the vital work of helping people find stability in their lives, while also assisting those living and working in supportive housing to feel more comfortable and secure.”

ASK Wellness CEO Bob Hughes has been a vocal advocate for the change from the province, applauding the news. Hughes stated the relationship between a housing provider and clients in supportive housing is much different than a typical tenant-landlord situation and the legislation needed to address that.

“When we would have an individual who would be acting out in this way, we would be waiting sometimes six-to-10 weeks to get a hearing to go through that,” said Hughes. “And all while that is happening, our staff may not be safe, our residents in the neighbourhood may not be safe, furthering, I think, the conflict and tension… between municipal stakeholders and the operator themselves. This, I think, is that balance.”

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The proposed amendments will provide new tools in supportive housing to:

• Take new action to keep weapons out of supportive housing
• Provide operators a continuum of options to temporarily restrict the access of tenants to a supportive housing site to de-escalate critical health and safety risks to other residents and staff. In extreme circumstances, operators may restrict access to tenants to a supportive housing building if they are awaiting an expedited Residential Tenancy Branch eviction hearing for posing a threat to fellow residents, staff or guests
• Clarify when and where the Residential Tenancy Act applies

Hughes is still hoping to see more changes brought forward from the province, speaking to wanting a specific model based around the need to bring more supportive, recovery-focused housing to the province and Kamloops.

“What currently doesn’t exist in the province is legislation regarding temporary or transitional housing. And I think that is really our opportunity now to continue putting pressure on the province to invite them to consult with us around what we hear in the community, which is the need for recovery-focused housing,” said Hughes.