Renovictions were top of mind at the Chatham-Kent (CK) Council meeting, with tenants from Terrace Forty in attendance.
On Monday night, Councillor Marjorie Crews' motion to ensure that any landlord who issues a notice requiring tenants to vacate for renovations or demolition does so in good faith was brought before council.
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.
It would take some time before any measure would be implemented in CK. Instead, Crew's motion directs staff to consult tenant advocacy groups, landlord representatives, and housing experts to create a draft by-law to be brought back to council before June 22, 2026.
Her motion explains that other cities in Ontario have already adopted similar renoviction measures. This includes London, Toronto, and Hamilton.
According to the administration, there could be increased costs for taxpayers, as London and Hamilton had to hire additional staff for their programs.
Crew notes that the by-law might not help the tenants of Terrace Forty, but they have been connected with a Housing Stability Worker from the Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic to help in their fight.
The motion was added to the consent agenda and was passed 15 to zero.
