The Town of Greater Napanee is moving forward with new by-laws to regulate rooming houses and group homes. Council received a report from Shannon Murphy, Deputy Clerk, Executive Services, on draft rules for licensing, inspections, and maintaining a registry of these properties.
She shared with council that these by-law’s were developed in consultation with Growth and Infrastructure, Fire, and By-law.
The proposed Rooming House By-law will require owners to obtain a license and meet specific standards. Annual inspections by the Fire Department and Property Standards Inspectors will ensure safety and compliance with the Fire Code and Town property rules.
The Group Home By-law will maintain a registry of all group homes, including transitional housing. Under the Municipal Act, the by-law can only require license fees and basic ownership information.
Council may also request changes to the draft rules before they become official. These steps aim to improve safety and oversight of housing in Greater Napanee.
Written by Emily Chatwood
