Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow visited two Etobicoke buildings on Saturday, where residents expressed frustration with mould and lack of accessibility. The visit came as a response to long-standing issues in the area.
Issues Raised by Residents
11 Bergamot Avenue
- Residents pointed to mouldy windows and other unresolved problems despite multiple inspections.
- One resident stated, "We have been dealing with these issues for a long time. It’s unacceptable that nothing has been done."
9 Bergamot Avenue
- Residents highlighted a lack of entrance ramps, making it difficult for those with mobility issues to enter their homes.
- One resident reported having to remove flooring due to repeated flooding caused by laundry use in the basement unit above him.
Tenant Concerns
- Tenants claimed that submitting work orders through an app often results in little or no action from building management staff.
- This has led to fears of retaliation from landlords or property managers for speaking up about living conditions.
Complaints to Pindale Properties
- ACORN members and tenants reported submitting numerous complaints regarding maintenance issues but received little response from Pindale Properties.
- Many residents feel frustrated and ignored.
Mayor Chow’s Response
Mayor Chow’s visit is seen as an attempt to address these concerns and provide support for affected residents. She was accompanied by Councillor Paul Ainslie, who represents Ward 23 Scarborough East. Ainslie stated that he had previously raised concerns at city council meetings but had not received updates on when repairs would be made. He emphasized his commitment to working with ACORN members until all necessary repairs are completed.
Meeting with ACORN Members
Before visiting the buildings, Mayor Chow met with ACORN members outside City Hall. She listened to their stories about living conditions, including:
- Mouldy walls
- Broken appliances
- Inadequate ventilation systems
ACORN member Maria Rodriguez criticized Pindale Properties’ handling of maintenance requests, stating, "We’ve sent over 100 work orders through this app since last year, but we’re still waiting for them all." She expressed fear of retaliation from her landlord, saying, "I’m scared because I don’t know what will happen next. I just want my home fixed so I can live safely."
Another tenant from 9 Bergamot Avenue shared similar concerns, reporting multiple floods in his unit due to laundry use in the basement above. He was forced to remove flooring after repeated damage. He stated, "It’s not just me; there are many others who are suffering like this. It’s unacceptable that we have no entrance ramps at our building. This is discrimination against people who need accessibility."
Commitment to Action
Mayor Chow listened attentively during both visits and spoke publicly outside City Hall earlier on Saturday morning. She acknowledged hearing stories of neglect from tenants and promised action, stating, "We will do everything we can to help fix problems such as moldy walls, broken appliances, and inadequate ventilation systems."
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