100 Forest & 123 Charlton Tenant Union

Tenants at 100 Forest Ave and 123 Charlton Ave have been organizing with ACORN for over a year to address ongoing building issues in their homes owned by Drake Property Management. Over the past year, residents have held meetings, formed a tenant union, demand letters to management, and participated in a tenant rights workshop on Above Guideline Rent Increases (AGIs).

Earlier in February, tenant union representatives secured a meeting with Drake Property Management to formally raise these concerns. Management was receptive, confirmed that AGIs are pending, and outlined initial steps to address other issues, including pests, delayed in-suite repairs, garbage and recycling problems, unsafe common areas, inaccessible balconies, unsecured garage doors, and limited on-site management support.

On February 19, Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch attended a meeting at 100 Forest Ave to meet with tenants living in the buildings. ACORN tenant union representatives shared updates on organizing efforts and ongoing issues.

Tenants’ consistent organizing has already secured some wins: management now has in-person staff in the buildings and holds town halls as a communication channel. The tenant union remains active,  and is engaged with their downtown neighborhood ACORN chapter.