Posted January 14, 2020
Hamilton ACORN's fight for livable housing won a major step forward at City Hall today! Ward 14 Councillor Terry Whitehead's motion to revamp Hamilon's property standards by-laws passed with unanimous support at the Planning Committee. ACORN members started the day with a press conference with Councillor Whitehead in attendance. Downtown chair Mike Wood and member Patricia Galvin spoke to the press and supporters about the urgent need for improvements to Hamilton's by-laws.
Inside the Council Chambers, three ACORN members spoke to Councillors in support of the motion. Downtown Chair Mike Wood, Mountain leader Veronica Gonzalez and East End member Dayna Sparkes used their 5 minutes to share the impact on tenants living in substandard housing and experience dealing with Hamilton by-law.
The motion passed 7-0 and ACORN's advocacy work received praise from Councillors. ACORN sees this motion as critical to protecting tenants from unsafe and unhealthy housing. Members look forward to being a stakeholder in the process to review and update the city's property standards.
ACORN will continue pushing for the city to implement a proactive enforcement program similar to RentSafe in Toronto.
PRESS
CBC News: City to look at updating property standards bylaw to protect tenants
Hamilton Spectator: ‘Unsafe and unhealthy’ rental units spur Hamilton bylaw review
CHCH: Hamilton city hall passes motion to update it’s property standards by-laws
Global News: Hamilton to look at improving property standards bylaw to protect tenants in unsafe conditions
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