The city is reaching out to some of the tenants set to be re-located because of the downtown redevelopment.
Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to provide the non-profits affected by the city’s expropriation with sub-leases on city owned downtown property.
RMWB Chief Administrative Officer Glen Laubenstein says with more retail space in the city’s future, it will make it possible for the NPO’s to re-locate permanently.
“We’re very excited about the development applications that are coming forward with the city centre, and the amount of retail that’s coming with them,” he said.
“So we’re optimistic that three years down the road when these start turning over, there will be space availability at a favourable rate.”
Councillor Phil Meagher said he has no doubt the organizations need the city’s help.
“The non-profits that I deal with, and certainly (we’ll) do whatever we can as council to support, really need this type of thing because they’re always looking into the future and they’re very concerned people,” he said.
The city says the affected groups will pay a subsidized rent to the city – an amount similar to what they’re currently paying.
Councillor Russell Thomas says giving the non-profits some stability is the most important thing.
“Even if it’s for a short period of time, it offers predictability and some sustainability and giving them planning time,” he said.
“And I guess I’d encourage administration to always look for opportunities of working with non-profits.”
