Hamilton Tenant Organizing Victory – 325 & 325A James St S tenants negotiate to save their homes!

In an extraordinary tenant organizing victory, a group of tenants facing renoviction at 325 and 325A James St S in Hamilton were able to come to an agreement with their landlord that allows them to maintain their affordable homes! 

N13 eviction notices were issued to all tenants in both buildings in October 2024. After deciding to organize with ACORN, residents came together to coordinate several tenant meetings, held an action in front of the buildings, spoke to the media, and opposed a development application for the property at City Hall. 

Working alongside ACORN and the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic through the City’s Tenant Support Program, the group prepared to defend their housing. They successfully petitioned the LTB to combine all of the eviction applications into two hearings, one for each building. ACORN supported members in the buildings to educate tenants on their rights and gather evidence for the hearings. 

In early March, residents gathered at City Hall before the Committee of Adjustment to oppose their landlord’s development application for their buildings. Tenants had canvassed the surrounding neighbourhood ahead of the committee meeting and garnered overwhelming community support. The committee voted to table the application after deciding they needed more time to consider all the concerns that were raised.

After months of tireless organizing and negotiating with the landlord, all of their efforts have finally paid off! In June, the remaining tenants received the news that an agreement had been reached with the landlord that would allow them all to keep their affordable units while still allowing renovations to take place. This incredible victory is a testament to the power tenants hold when they stand together with a united voice. Thanks to collective organizing, over 30 people have escaped eviction!