All across Canada the severe lack of and high cost of housing is a problem that must be tackled by all levels of gov’t. The City of Guelph is addressing the housing crisis by having created a Strategic Plan to increase the number of residential dwellings in town. On a local level- it is not enough. The City also needs to consider that to promote equality and compliance with accessibility standards— housing must be inclusive, and for everyone. The protection of existing occupied dwelling units and perhaps even more so, those few accessible apartments must be included as a priority for the City of Guelph. I live in this building downtown. It isn’t well maintained, but it is more affordable. In May I had an unfortunate accident, and returned home in July using a wheelchair. My healing is going to be very long and it is full of uncertainty. In the midst of this, our landlord has pressured me to move out since I asked for basic accommodations that are required by law, like a ramp and a repaired door buzzer so that I can buzz in a delivery or a friend. The buzzer used to work, and when it broke a repair was promised. The tenants on the upper floors of our building still have working buzzer systems. It’s been making life pretty difficult, while having mobility limits.
I am otherwise lucky to have a very suitable main floor unit with no barriers inside our place. In fact we already have lowered counters and cupboards, which is ideal. Since asking for accommodations I’ve been bullied, harassed, shamed, falsely accused, and coerced to leave. This started by email before I even left the hospital. The landlord threatens to make this ordeal very stressful for me. All of this has occurred in writing over 3 months. Because I have stood up for my right to be treated fairly and to have barriers addressed in the building where I live, on Friday September 30th I was served a formal notice detailing the intention to evict us and demolish our apartment to build bicycle storage. The notice gives January 31st as the end date for our tenancy. 
I have lived here for 3 years, together with my 6 year old son, and we have a community of supports here, friends and neighbours who help us out, like walking my son to school. I have never been late with or missed rent, and I have never received a single complaint. Arranging a move, or finding a new apartment feels impossible for me at this time, and I have done nothing wrong. We really have no other suitable place to stay.
The City of Guelph does have a ByLaw preventing the demolition of dwelling units in the City. It is old and needs to be updated, but in spirit is meant to preserve living spaces that could be torn down for non-residential use.
I am petitioning the City of Guelph to take stronger action in protecting housing when making their ByLaws because there is an opportunity to help tenants like me (more vulnerable citizens) avoid this kind of unjust “renoviction”- an eviction clearly purposed to remove a tenant through the pretence of renovation; so that the Landlord benefits financially. By creating a ByLaw that would factor in occupancy before granting demolition permits that would unfairly displace tenants- the City could prevent the loss of residential space, and protect marginalized populations. How about more rigorous standards under circumstances that impact tenants?
The City should not condone demolishing a good apartment, especially one that is accessible for someone in a wheelchair, units like this should be safeguarded. Housing must be a protected social area, and when landlords are financially rewarded by an eviction, people suffer greatly. The social costs are very big. Yes, there are lengthy legal processes in place to protect tenants rights- but the City must also take responsibility for the way it enables our City to grow, as shaped by the values and principles that Guelph represents; to make Guelph a City where everyone feels welcome.