A redevelopment on the site of Sidney’s Cedarwood Inn and Suites is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Sidney council has given three readings to a bylaw amendment for the proposed waterfront development that envisions 49 apartments and 48 townhouse units on the motel site.

GMC Projects has proposed a three-storey building with 49 apartment units and a ground-floor commercial space as well as eight buildings containing a total of 48 2.5-storey townhouses at 9522 Lochside Dr., near Tulista Park.

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/plan-to-build-apartments-townhouses-on-sidney-motel-site-moving-ahead-8448020

Residents of the former Cedarwood Inn & Suites in Sidney are confused and concerned about changes to their current living situation.

Letters have been given to all the residents, saying the rental tenancy agreements are coming to an end.

Michael Snedden received two letters Tuesday night addressing the changes.

“There was a notice on our door that explained our tenancy was no longer valid, it was being frustrated as of [Tuesday] and that we either have options to vacate the premises right away or they want to operate the premises as a motel,” Snedden said.

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“The town posted a ‘Do Not Occupy’ notice on the property as a warning to occupants of the unsafe conditions and as notice to the property owner of the town’s intention to address safety concerns,” Hicik said.

“Since that time, we have continued to work diligently with the property owner toward compliance with the identified safety requirements and have made good progress.”

GMC Properties had to revert to operating as a motel to comply with the “Do Not Occupy” notice.

“This was an unexpected and unforeseen outcome, and we have worked diligently with the Town to find a resolution,” Jordan Milne, president and CEO of GMC Properties, said.

“By issuing notice to tenants that their leases have been frustrated and are cancelled, the town has been satisfied and will be rescinding their Do Not Occupy notice [Wednesday].”

Snedden said this was a surprise to everyone.

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Those choosing to stay as a motel guest will be charged a daily rate similar to their previous rents.

Snedden said that knowing the end date of his motel stay is quickly approaching, he would like to move out soon.

“The thing is, where do you go?” he asked. “There is nowhere to go.”

https://www.cheknews.ca/total-shock-residents-of-former-cedarwood-inn-suites-face-tough-housing-decision-1219068/

Residents of a former Sidney motel are feeling some relief after learning that they’ll be able to stay in their units after the town lifted a “do not occupy” notice from the building.

Tenants moved into the former Cedarwood Inn and Suites on Lochside Drive after the 47-unit motel closed in April.

Resident Eve Cooney, who moved in in May, said the expectation was that she and others could stay for about a year and a half, until the property owner was ready to begin construction on a new housing development.

The site had recently been rezoned and a development featuring 97 new housing units was approved.

But a few weeks ago, a neighbour received a notice that tenants were in illegal suites, Cooney said. “It was a bit of a shock.”

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/sidney-lifts-do-not-occupy-notice-on-former-motel-renting-to-long-term-tenants-9363520