Ottawa Community Housing Protest

Ottawa, ON— ACORN members held a rally outside the Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) head office at 173 Chapel Street. Tenants came together to speak out about serious problems in their buildings that have gone on for too long; some for over six years.

Here’s what tenants are dealing with:

• OCH staff improved and proper communication with tenants
• Pest problems that never go away
• Maintenance requests are ignored or delayed
• Repairs are often slow or not done properly

At the rally, ACORN members Gabrielle Fréchette, Robert Faye gave powerful speeches about what they’ve gone through. Members chanted, shared stories, and then delivered a letter addressed to Stéphane Giguère, the CEO of OCH.

OCH staff accepted the letter and talked with members about their current issues. While it’s good that they listened, listening isn’t enough. Tenants need real changes in how OCH handles problems.

Tenants have a right to safe, healthy homes and respectful service. ACORN will keep fighting until OCH makes real improvements in how it supports the people who live in its housing. Big thank you to our new leaders Gabrielle Fréchette and Robert Faye.