The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) is lobbying the City of Abbotsford to provide at least as much protection to property owners as what is provided to species at risk or fish habitats.
In a letter to Mayor Banman, which is on the agenda for the Abbotsford Council meeting of March 18, the FVREB, following up on a meeting in January, says, “We appreciate your suggestion to lobby the federal government to include property rights in the Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms.
“As well, we are encouraged by your efforts to protect property owners’ interests when the city needs to acquire their land for public use such as a road or sewer right-of-way or when governments need to protect species at risk and fish habitats .
“We also believe that property owners should be fairly compensated.
“As Mentioned in our recent meeting, we are a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), One of Canada’s largest single industry trade associations, representing more than 100,000 REALTORS® and their clients across Canada. CREA Has long defended the right to own and enjoy property and we would appreciate your support.”
The letter of support they are asking Banman to sign reads, in part:
“As explained in the Canadian Real Estate Association’s publication, “No Expropriation Without Compensation: Proposals For Strengthening The Species At Risk Act,” And as discussed in our meeting with representatives of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board On January 14, 2013, Governments often make decisions intended to protect species at risk or fish habitats, or to build infrastructure which serves the public’s interest.”
According to the agenda for Monday’s meeting, the matter has been referred to the General Manager, Economic Development and Planning Services.
To read the letter from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board simply click here.