Renovictions will be top of mind when Chatham-Kent's (CK) council meets on Monday.
Councillor Marjorie Crew will introduce a motion to ensure that any landlord who issues a notice requiring tenants to vacate for renovations or demolition does so in good faith.
She decided to bring up the issue after learning about the situation involving the residents at Chatham's Terrace Forty apartment building. Each tenant received a notice in January stating they needed to leave, with their landlord claiming it was necessary for the removal of harmful materials such as asbestos.
The majority of tenants are fighting back against the claim, believing their landlord is trying to scare them into leaving so the rent can be increased.
The landlord is defending his decision.
Crew's motion explains that other cities in Ontario have already adopted similar measures. This includes London, Toronto, and Hamilton.
It would take some time before any measure would be implemented in CK. The municipality's administration said in a report that it would need time to speak with stakeholders and the public, and to study the bylaws introduced by the aforementioned cities.
The administration also explained that there could be increased costs for taxpayers, as London and Hamilton had to hire additional staff for their programs.
Council's meeting gets underway at 6 p.m.
Jeff Wilkins, a paralegal with the CK Legal Clinic, told CK News Today that a large number of Terrace Forty tenants are expected to be in attendance.
