Demands Workshop for New West Tenant Protection Plan this Tuesday
This coming Tuesday September 24th at 6:30pm we will be meeting at the New West Public Library auditorium (basement) to workshop our demands for the city's new Tenant Relocation Plan (in simple terms, the rights renters have if their building is demolished to build a new one).
Some we've already discussed at length–guarantees of a new unit in the new building at the same rent, moving costs, and affordable accommodations during construction–while others require more thought and reflection given stories we've heard from renters in Burnaby who are already protected by laws like this, such as loopholes developers have used to escape their obligations.
It's important renters actually shape these laws as its our lives that will actually be impacted by them. If you have any concerns at all about how protected you or your neighbours are from redevelopment, please attend!
Last Monday, City Council voted to prioritize the development of this new Tenant Relocation Plan in light of the urgency introduced by the provinces push to increase density around Skytrain stations. For those of you who have been following us for a while, you know we organized the community to show up to city council in June to ensure they voted Yes to a new plan.
If you are unable to attend the meeting but want to provide feedback, reach out to us by email at nwtenantsunion@gmail.com and we can find a way to work with you.
Once we have our official list of demands, we will be presenting them to the city alongside tenants from the affected neighbourhoods.
Do you live in this region and are concerned about redevelopment removing your affordable housing? Get in touch so we can help inform and organize renters in your building.
Get Involved
Want to join our volunteer, renter-led action team to help? Send us an email at nwtenantsunion@gmail.com and let's make this happen.
Plus, we're always on the lookout for Building Contacts who can support the New West Tenants Union's work by keeping us posted of issues at rental buildings around the city.
Learn more about Building Contacts and what your role could be in organizing for stronger tenants' rights in your building here.