Dear Skyline Living,

We, the undersigned residents of Applewood Apartments in Collingwood, Ontario, along with our supporters, respectfully petition to withdraw the recently announced 5% rent increase. This increase is significantly higher than the normal rate of the 2.5% maximum and an extra $100 per month, comes at a time when our community is already facing a severe shortage of affordable housing options.

Reasons for Our Petition:

1. High Rent Levels: Rent in Collingwood and the surrounding areas is already at an all-time high. Many residents are struggling to afford their current rent payments without the added burden of a substantial increase.
   
   
2. Lack of Affordable Housing: Our community does not have sufficient affordable housing for long-term residents, newcomers, and those on fixed incomes. Increasing rents further exacerbates this issue and threatens the stability and well-being of our community.
3. Unfair Burden on Tenants: The proposed 5% increase is intended to cover the costs of roof and drain pipe replacements. However, considering the corporation's ownership of approximately 250 buildings and 22,250+ units across Ontario, the profits generated from these units should be adequate to cover such maintenance costs without imposing additional financial strain on tenants.
   
   
4. Corporate Responsibility: As a large corporation with extensive holdings, there is a responsibility to ensure that tenants are not unfairly burdened with costs that should be covered by the company's profits. It is disheartening to see necessary maintenance being funded by rent increases rather than corporate resources.
   
   
5. Risk of Homelessness: The proposed rent increase could force some residents into homelessness. The lack of affordable housing options combined with higher rent increases puts vulnerable individuals and families at risk of losing their homes, leading to devastating personal and community impacts.

Our Request:

We kindly request that the proposed rent increase be withdrawn and that the standard rate of 2.5% be maintained. We urge you to consider the financial hardship this increase will impose on tenants (some with more than one job to afford rent & groceries as it is) and to explore alternative methods of funding necessary repairs without disproportionately impacting the residents.

Support for Our Petition:

This petition is supported by the residents of Applewood Apartments and the broader Collingwood community (many thanks to all non-residents supporting!) . We believe that maintaining affordable rent is crucial for the well-being and stability of our community.

We trust that you will consider our concerns and take the necessary steps to withdraw the proposed rent increase. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Your Residents