SDC Eviction Prevention KW

08/01/2023

Are you receiving OW (Ontario Works) or ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) and at risk due to extreme heat? It is possible to have a cooling device paid by OW/ODSP where there is a verified medical condition.

08/01/2023

https://www.waterlooregion.org/lived-experience-displacement-exhibit-august-16th

The Lived Expertise Working Group has been working with the Wilfrid Laurier University students and professors to explore the impact of ongoing displacement in the City of Kitchener. Together, they are hosting a Photo Voice Displacement Exhibit at Kitchener Central Library on Queen Street on August 16th from 5pm to 8pm. The exhibit has visual, three-dimensional, and storytelling components. The event is also a fundraiser for the working groups' participation at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness 2023 Conference. You can RSVP at this link (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3ym9ZGS9DlWIBxjN7O8luLvqfuMYEBlFOWFOJ9g6pLEr8lg/viewform), or if you can't come, you can donate to support their trip to the conference in Halifax through the GoFundMe portal (https://www.gofundme.com/f/sponsor-lived-experts-to-attend-conference?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer).

The Lived Expertise Working Group has been working with the Wilfrid Laurier University students and professors to explore the impact of ongoing displacement in the City of Kitchener. Together, they are hosting a Photo Voice Displacement Exhibit at Kitchener Central Library on Queen Street on August....

08/01/2023

Celebrating Emancipation Day!

August 1 marks a historic milestone in Canada's journey towards equality and diversity. It marks the actual day in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire.

Today, we honor the strength and resilience of Black communities in Canada as we commemorate the abolition of slavery and stand united against racism and discrimination.

Let's use this day to reflect, educate, and continue the fight for equality.

Learn more about Emancipation Day: https://bit.ly/3RDktcT

08/01/2023

Not shocking, but still sad.

08/01/2023

Rental costs are out of control, and that's why we call on the provincial government to intervene to promote rent control for ALL units and during unit changes!

A new report released Tuesday by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that while minimum wages have risen since 2018, they haven't increased as fast as rental rates. Researchers say this not only leaves workers spending too much on rent, but ultimately puts minimum wage workers at risk....

07/27/2023

Thoughts?

"Ontario has selected a third party to audit the finances of six municipalities as part of its ongoing work to build 1.5 million homes by 2031. Following a competitive procurement process, Ernst & Young LLP has been retained to examine the finances of the City of Toronto, Peel Region, Mississauga, Caledon, Brampton, and Newmarket. The first phase of the audits is expected to conclude around the end of 2023.

The audits will help provide a clear and shared understanding of the impacts of changes to development-related fees and charges included in the More Homes Built Faster Act. In response to recommendations from the Housing Affordability Task Force, and to make housing available to people who need it most, Ontario is eliminating development-related charges on affordable housing units and has also eliminated charges on non-profit housing units. Development charges for family-friendly purpose-built rentals were also reduced by up to 25 percent, in order to spur the construction of this much-needed type of housing. Development charges can continue to be levied on most market housing. The impacts of these changes will be a central area of focus for the audits."

Ontario Begins Audit of Municipal Finances | Ontario Newsroom

07/24/2023

We would like to invite you to a free film
screening of Someone Lives Here

Film: Someone Lives Here
Date: Thursday July 27th 2023
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: Idea Exchange - The Old Post Office
12 Water St south, Cambridge

https://hotdocs.ca/archive/festival/2023/someone-lives-here
http://www.someoneliveshere.com/

07/24/2023

https://housingrightscanada.com/proportionality-legal-framework-to-make-eviction-a-last-resort-in-canada/?mc_cid=cccc605114&mc_eid=35c43acdbd

Eviction is a blunt instrument which has devasting impacts on renter households. Proportionality is an important legal framework that can be used to ensure that eviction is always treated as a last resort.

07/17/2023

Contact Property Standards if your landlord is neglecting your unit and putting your safety at risk. They may issue an enforcement order that requires your landlord to fix the issues.

Waterloo: https://www.waterloo.ca/en/living/bylaws-and-enforcement.aspx #:~:text=By%20using%20our%20online%20portal,a.m.%20to%204%3A30%20p.m.

Kitchener: https://form.kitchener.ca/csd/bylaw/property-standards-complaint-form #:~:text=You%20can%20call%20the%20Corporate,online%20using%20the%20form%20below.&text=What%20is%20your%20concern%2Fcomplaint%20about%20the%20property%3F

07/17/2023

https://www.wrcls.ca/best-practices-toolkit/ A toolkit of best practices for housing providers, including resources and relevant information for tenants.

Welcome! We extend our deep gratitude to you for taking the time and effort to consider best practices for maintaining your landlord-tenant relationship and helping to ensure our community is one that everyone can call home. This toolkit includes information, tools, and tips to help housing provider...

07/13/2023

CLEO is hosting The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) online portal Question and Answer Session on July 20th from 12pm to 1:30pm. Send in your questions by July 18.

Join us for further discussion on key tips and strategies for community workers supporting tenants with the LTB online portal. In this special Q+A follow-up session, our housing experts will answer your questions about the online portal.