Several residents living in a building in Winnipeg’s West Broadway area have expressed concerns about unauthorized construction activities that took place over the summer, leading to breaches of their privacy, rights, and safety. The tenants claim that ongoing renovations, initiated by the new property owner, have disrupted their daily lives and forced some to vacate the premises.
Mira Koop, an art instructor and university student, was among those who felt the impact of the disruptive construction work. She highlighted instances of sudden appliance replacements without prior notification, noise disturbances from renovations, and unauthorized entries into her unit by contractors. Koop emphasized that the construction activities, including modifications to fire exits and intrusive actions within her suite, significantly disrupted her living conditions.
Other tenants, such as Madlen Bowen and Liam Simpson, shared similar grievances, citing issues with a sudden increase in rent and additional charges for utilities imposed by the new landlord. They revealed that the proposed rent hike exceeded the provincial guideline, and the landlord had applied for an above-guideline increase to cover operational costs.
The tenants expressed frustration over the lack of response and dismissive behavior from the property management company, Chanden Homes Ltd., regarding their complaints. Despite concerns raised by the tenants, the management defended their actions and claimed to have adhered to the regulations set by the Residential Tenancies Branch.
The new property owner, Justin Beaulieu, justified the renovations as necessary upgrades for the aging complex, which he stated was over a century old. While acknowledging the challenges faced by tenants during the renovation process, Beaulieu emphasized the importance of enhancing the building’s infrastructure.
City records indicated a lack of approved construction permits for the property in recent years, raising questions about the legality of the renovation work carried out. The contractor involved in the renovations, Bosk Construction, indicated a belief that specific permits were not required initially, leading to a subsequent application for permits after being advised by a city inspector to cease work temporarily.
Despite the ongoing disputes and concerns raised by residents, both the property owner and the management company maintained their position on the necessity of the renovations and their compliance with tenancy regulations. The tenants, on the other hand, continued to seek resolution through official channels, including the Residential Tenancies Branch, to address their grievances and ensure their rights are protected.
In response to the situation, the tenants highlighted the need for improved communication, respect for their rights, and accountability from the property owners and management, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful living environment for all residents.