Delta council has agreed to issue a temporary permit for a former student dormitory in Ladner to be used as shared rental accommodation.
The application by owner Golden Landmark International Education Inc. would see the building at 5681 Ladner Trunk Rd. used for rentals for three years.
The building, which has 29 individual sleeping units, is currently vacant.
The sleeping units would be occupied by boarders on a month-to-month basis, with each unit having access to their own bathroom including a shower.
Boarders would share a kitchen with two stoves, two fridges, six double sinks and additional countertop appliances. The building also includes two offices and two activity rooms.
A staff report notes that an on-site caretaker would maintain the property and common areas.
The report also notes that Delta Police emphasized the importance of private, separate showering facilities for each unit. Police also noted that an on-site caretaker may help identify vulnerable clientele who may have limited support within the community and a property management company would support those residing within the building.
The social planning department raised a concern regarding the number of potential tenants and sharing of common areas and amenities, as there may be potential operational challenges associated with one on-site caretaker for 29 potential tenants, as well as kitchen limitations if tenants were all to utilize the facilities provided at the same time.
City manager Sean McGill told council that the intent is to rent the facility to young professionals and students, who may otherwise have difficulty finding a place to rent locally, and potential tenants who would be vetted by the management company.
He also said the plan in the longer-term is to redevelop the site.
Located at the corner of 57th Street, the complex was previously used as a dormitory for students enrolled in the Delta School District’s International Student Program. Prior to that, it was a seniors’ care facility.
The current zoning of the site is Health Care Zone, intended for community care and mental health facilities, in addition to hospitals.
Sleeping units for boarders using a building for shared rental accommodations is not permitted in the zone, therefore, a temporary use permit is required to allow the proposal to move forward.
