Remedial work is finally underway at 500 Dawes Road

“This letter is to inform you that [the] City intends to proceed to remediate the uncompleted work on Monday, April 20, 2026 up to an estimated cost of $120,000.00, which may include ongoing work for inspections and treatment. Additional costs will be for cancellation fees and administrative costs, although the City’s actual costs may be higher or lower than this estimated amount. You are also responsible for the inspection fees associated with the City making the repairs/replacements, estimated to be $89.45 per hour per officer or more, and all of which will also be added to the property taxes for your property. […] If you or anyone else interferes with the repairs/replacements being made by the City, a charge of obstruction may be laid. On conviction, the maximum fine for obstruction for an individual is $50,000 for a first offence and $100,000 for a subsequent offence and for a corporation is $500,000 or a first offence and $1,500,000 for a subsequent offence.”

That is just part of a letter that the City of Toronto delivered today to the landlord of 500 Dawes Road, informing them that remediation work is going to be getting underway on her dime, along with the costs of officers’ wages during inspections, administrative fees, and more.

Repairs are finally getting done. Comprehensive pest control is on its way. Canada Post has resumed mail delivery to the building. ACORN members in the building are calling our office to say they’re getting the first good night sleep they’ve had in years.

This is what tenant organizing can do.

Of course, the work doesn’t stop here! We’re still fighting to strengthen the RentSafeTO program. Other buildings across Toronto also need remedial action. There’s plenty more to do — and slumlords in Toronto are on notice!

But for today, our members are celebrating.

Contact Toronto ACORN at (416) 461-9233 or [email protected] to get involved.