BRITISH COLUMBIA – Exemption regulations for 55 plus strata properties have been put in place by the BC Government to accommodate people with family structure changes.
Taking effect immediately, this amendment expands the list of exemptions to 55-and-over bylaws in strata buildings to include future children, dependents, and spouses or partners of current residents. It will also create an exemption to permit adult children or former dependents of current residents to move back home with their parents or former caregivers.
On Nov. 24, 2022, Bill 44 amended the Strata Property Act to end all rental-restriction bylaws and limit strata age-restriction bylaws to 55-and-over bylaws to promote seniors’ housing. After the bill was passed, tens of thousands of strata units opened up to renters and younger residents, providing more housing options.
A few hundred strata corporations also moved to adopt 55+ age-restriction bylaws. While the act was amended to allow live-in caregivers and people who were already lawfully residing in the units to live in 55-and-over buildings, it did not account for residents’ future children, dependents or spouses.
“This is an important change that balances the ability of seniors in age-restricted strata buildings to receive the health-care supports they need in their own homes with the desire of many seniors to live in buildings that focus on creating a senior-friendly environment,” said Isobel Mackenzie, BC’s seniors advocate.
Business Examiner Staff
