Surrey - The Editor, Re: "'How can Surrey quash illegal suites for good?" the Now, July 17.
Once again, the discussion is mulled about illegal suites and the "solution."Unfortunately, the solution has always been present, but it would be unpopular because of the implications with voters who want to have their cake and eat it too.If the bylaw officers and building inspectors were given the manpower and the support from city council to properly enforce the laws already on the books, many illegal suites could be made to disappear.Until the city deems this a significant enough problem to properly empower the governing departments, illegal suites will continue to plague our neighbourhoods.Until there is a streamlined process for reporting violators, the problem will persist. And, until the process for legally forcing negligent homeowners to remove illegal suites becomes a prudent process that does not span multiple years, the problems will persist.With all due respect to Coun. Barinder Rasode, the idea of lobbying anyone to provide funding for those earning additional untaxed income from their illegal suites, so they could bring them up to adequate standards, is once again forcing the responsible taxpayer to fund the law breaker.Just as enforcement of laws on the roads and highways requires manpower (out writing the violations), the same can be said for bylaws.Involve the taxpayer with an easy way to report the violators, and empower the men and women who go and write the violations, with your support.Kris SorensonSurrey