Wayne DesRocher鈥檚 dispute with his landlord has won a sympathetic ear among 91原创 Township council members.

But only one councillor is prepared to intercede on his behalf.

DesRocher first shared his dilemma with council at the Dec. 13 meeting when he asked council to contact the new owners of his rental property, and lobby for an extension of his lease from Jan. 31 to June 1.

On Jan. 10, Councillor Kim Richter proposed a notice of motion calling on staff to write a letter of support for DesRocher.

In a 7-1 vote (one councillor was absent), council said no.

鈥淭here鈥檚 no question that members of council have compassion for Mr. DesRocher,鈥� Mayor Rick Green said. But he and others drew the line at becoming involved in a landlord and tenant dispute.

DesRocher has lived at 21477 - 80 Ave., since 1982. He owned the property, and sold it in 1999, renting it ever since.

The property was sold last year, and the new owner gave DesRocher notice to leave by Jan. 31.

Confined to a wheelchair, DesRocher is currently an accounting student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He told council that he needs to delay moving so that he has enough time to move after he finishes classes in April.

Finding a suitable home will be a challenge he said, advising that he needs one that has wheelchair accessible washrooms, kitchen and hallways, and possible modifications to stairs.

鈥淚 think with positive negotiation and some lobbying the new owner would allow me a half year longer to move.鈥�

But council won鈥檛 lobby for him, despite Richter鈥檚 plea.

鈥淚 see this as us sticking up for what we believe in which is helping people get around,鈥� she said.

鈥淚f we don鈥檛 help him he will be forced to leave Kwantlen in order to deal with the move.鈥�

Councillor Grant Ward said 鈥淭his would set a very big precedent for the Township. I can see people using the same story to advance their cause.鈥�

He noted that there are agencies who could help Desrochers relocate.

There is nothing to stop council members writing letters of support as individuals, said Councillor Jordan Bateman. Disputes involving landlords and tenants are beyond council鈥檚 purview. He cautioned against becoming involved.

DesRocher said on Tuesday that he has asked the Residential Tenancy Branch to dispute his eviction notice.