2019 Tenant Issues Update

At our annual general meeting in 2019, the High Park Tenants’ Association elected Julia Stewart to our new Director of Building Relations position. As a board member dedicated to bringing everyday tenant concerns with local rental management companies, we are able to keep better tabs on unresolved issues and ensure that your voice as tenants is heard. With the help of our inbox manager, President and Past President, Julia had a busy second half of 2019.

Below is a high-level summary of a few of the ongoing topics currently being discussed with the two main management companies, Minto and GWL. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a highlight of some of the larger matters before the HPTA right now.

There were no significant updates from DMI related to our work in 2019. 

Minto

One of Minto's biggest updates from the past 5 months was the announcement of temporary shoring in the parking garage, which meant that around 50 tenants had to be relocated, paid visitor parking was removed, and new tenants moving in after this had to apply for street parking from the City. Minto has since decided to refurbish 40 spots so that people can move back into the garage, but the process is still out to tender so work has not started yet. 

Minto also began refurbishing elevators in its buildings, which is set to continue next year. Tenants have complained about this and expressed concern that this is a cosmetic renovation whose cost will be passed on to us. Renovations will continue in 2020.

Finally, Minto increased the time during which its office is closed during the day (was 12-2, now 10-2:30), although tenants can still make appointments and call during this time. 

In summary: Some reductions in service and a controversial renovation some tenants feel will be reflected in the next AGI. 

GWL 

GWL has faced ongoing issues such as rat and roach infestations at 77 Quebec Ave. Although the company brought in a new pest control firm and claims that they are now capturing just 1-2 juvenile rats per week, it is still unclear (in our opinion) if the infestation is declining or merely holding steady. 

GWL also postponed the window replacements for 66 Pacific and 65 High Park (again) until 2020. 

GWL announced that the surveillance system in its buildings will be upgraded and new cameras added in "dead" areas, as well as to corridors in buildings undergoing renovation – 77 Quebec and 40 High Park. 

Finally, the company applied for a 1.75% Above Guideline Increase (AGI) to rents recently, but we have few details on this at the moment. 
In summary: Ongoing issues from previous years, an upgrade, and an attempt to raise the rents above the guideline. 

Complaints Reporting Protocol

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