York West ACORN members raise alarm over repairs, rights and redevelopment

From pest issues to occupancy rights, members link everyday housing problems to larger pressures facing the neighbourhood.

ACORN pins and key Ring by Jack Cochrane — Our Documenter Jack Cochrane took a photo of ACORN pins and a key Ring

From pest issues to occupancy rights, members link everyday housing problems to larger pressures facing the neighbourhood.

On March 19, ACORN members gathered for the organization’s monthly York West chapter meeting to discuss repair campaigns, building-specific concerns and broader questions around tenant and occupant rights.

The meeting brought together organizers, members and tenants to share updates on ongoing housing issues and local advocacy efforts.

Organizers first gave an update on ACORN’s Repairs Can’t Wait campaign and its discussions with RentSafeTO. They said ACORN has been in consultations with the City since the start of the year and pointed to the release of the State of Repair report, which is being used to push for changes ahead of further City discussion in mid-April.

They also shared updates on buildings with existing initiatives. At 35 Tobermory Dr., organizers said a superintendent had been replaced following a February work order blitz and that tenants reported repairs had started.

Organizers also said tenants at 2888 Keele St. were preparing a work order blitz and could escalate the matter to the City if the landlord did not respond. At 500 Dawes Rd., they said City staff had been directed to begin maintenance and pest control work at the building owner’s expense after the landlord’s appeal period ended.

During the open-floor discussion, several tenants from 2775 Jane St. raised concerns about repair issues in their building. The concerns included plaster and wall damage, holes left after plumbing work, ceilings and walls being painted over instead of properly repaired and openings that tenants said had allowed pests into units.

The conversation later turned to occupant rights. Organizers discussed situations where people were living in units, paying rent and dealing with housing problems without having the same ability to act as leaseholders.

They said this could become a larger campaign issue for ACORN, though they also noted that changes tied to Bill 60 may make organizing on occupancy rights more difficult in the near future.

A tenant from 2775 Jane St. also raised concerns about a proposed 27-storey development in the green space beside the building. The tenant said the proposal raised questions about the loss of green space, construction impacts, school capacity, parking, traffic, access and changes to the drop-off area.

Members were encouraged to attend the March 31 community council meeting on the proposal.

Key takeaways

• East Hamilton ACORN members selected 355 Melvin Ave. as the focus of tACORN updated members on Repairs Can’t Wait, including its State of Repair report and ongoing consultations with the City on RentSafeTO.

Organizers shared building-level updates at 35 Tobermory Dr., 2888 Keele St., and 500 Dawes Rd., where repair enforcement and tenant organizing efforts are ongoing.

Members discussed occupancy rights, especially the limits faced by people living in units without formal tenant status (occupants vs. tenants) and organizers said it could become a larger campaign issue.

A tenant from 2775 Jane St. raised concerns about a proposed 27-storey development, including the loss of green space and pressure on nearby schools and local infrastructure.

On-the-ground observations from our documenter, Jack cochrane

From my perspective, this meeting was very focused and intentional. People were talking about what to do next and who to put pressure on. The discussion about 355 Melvin Ave. showed how serious these issues are. Reported lack of building maintenance and care can create a very real risk for tenants, particularly in icy conditions.

The meeting provided a lot of evidence that Bill 60 is a serious threat to tenant protections because it shifts power toward landlords and makes it harder for residents to stay safe and stable in their homes. I think rent caps are equally important since affordability directly affects whether families can meet basic needs.

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Documenters:

Meeting notes done and documented by Jack Cochrane