Vanier ACORN members rally against slumlord, Q Residential
Posted November 7, 2022
On Tuesday, November 1st, ACORN members living in 1240-1244 Donald St (Capital Towers) in Ottawa rallied against a $3,000 retroactive rent increase from their landlord, Q Residential.
This above-guideline rent increase (AGI) applies to over 100 units at 1244 Donald St and covers the years 2019 to 2021. This amounts to roughly $309,000, which tenants who are primarily low-income, working-class, people with disabilities, seniors, immigrants, refugees, students, and single parents will be forced to pay collectively despite the buildings’ terrible state of disrepair. Members conducted the Capital Towers ACORN Tenant Survey for this reason. Click here to read the survey.
Tenants are fed up with the neglect and harassment they’ve been subjected to and held an action to fight back! Nearly 30 tenants and ACORN members came out to rally against Q Residential, carrying eye-catching signs and chanting energetically.
At the rally, members demanded the withdrawal of this ridiculous $3,000 AGI and spoke about the impact it would have on their lives, should they be forced to pay. This rally was led by our amazing ACORN members Jean-Marc Ladouceur and Sean Wilson! Big shout out to members such as Cheryl White and Lydia Carson-Hobbs who came out and led chants.
Members then marched to the Q Residential Capital Towers administrative office located at 1240 Donald St to deliver the Capital Towers ACORN Survey Report. The following are some survey highlights:
- All survey respondents being charged the AGI say they cannot afford it.
- 50% of respondents see cockroaches every day.
- 90% of respondents noted they have problems getting repairs done in their unit.
- 70% of respondents said that management does not treat them fairly.
- 75% of respondents said that management does not act professionally.
The event started out great, but when it came time to deliver the report, things took a turn. While trying to deliver the report to management, Q Residential staff assaulted an ACORN member. Our members came out to fight to keep their homes, and management showed their true colours.
Take action by sending a quick letter to Q Residential. Click here
Tenants will be attending the upcoming virtual Vanier ACORN chapter meeting to plan more next steps. We will continue to fight for safe, affordable, healthy homes!
