Dear Editor,
This letter is written with sincere gratitude to the mobile home residents and politicians who are close to winning the good fight to rectify serious inequities and problems that have plagued mobile home occupants across our Province. No longer will mobile home park residents be denied access to the Courts in the absence of protection under provisions of the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
Okotoks has long been a leader in the fight for mobile home residential rights. I know – I was there in the late 1990s when, as the then president of our local mobile home park residential association, I was summarily evicted in the absence of cause. I recall the day that my wife picked up the eviction notice from the community mailbox and was literally heart broken. We so enjoyed our social interaction at the park.
And thus began an 18-year stint as a member of Okotoks council following my initial 1992 – 1995 term. Together with Don Tannas, Highwood MLA at the time – Okotoks council successfully championed significant changes to the Mobile Home Residential Tenancies Act that would prohibit a Mobile Home Park operator from evicting without cause and controlling the sale of Units from the Park. For my part I learned very early in my municipal career that Okotoks ratepayers deserved to be heard at council and that it was my duty to ensure they were heard. And more importantly that residents’ requests for action were paramount and deserving of respect. In closing I would like to thank Mayor Robertson, his council and staff for their perseverance. And, of course, our Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson. Finally, but certainly not the least: Ken Hood, a current mobile home park resident. May God bless you all! ps: To Gail my deceased wife of 56 years: “We can now conclude that your trip to the mail box on that fateful day has been avenged once again. May God bless!
Laurie Hodson
Okotoks
