Parc-Extension residents no longer packing bags after fighting eviction notice
Mekredij Bronsezisn and his wife Rita Bronsezisn have lived in their apartment in Montreal's Parc-Extension neighbourhood for 38 years, and they say they can't picture living anywhere else.
Now, they may not have to.
"I'm very excited because I don't like to move because I'm very sick," said 67-year-old Rita.
The couple was one of eight tenants living in a Parc-Extension apartment building facing eviction; six of them are fighting it.
Their landlord sent the notice in December.
According to residents, he wanted to build an extension. They say this was the second time he sent an eviction notice in 2023.
The first time, he cancelled it. The second time, the tenants went to the rental board to fight it.
"They (the landlord) have to show to the judge, that it is a project that is possible, that is legal, that he has the permit from the borough and he has the money to do it," said Andre Trepanier a tenants' rights advocate who works for the Parc-Extension Action Committee.
Many of the tenants are low-income seniors, over the age of 70, who have lived in the building for more than 10 years.
"We just want to be left alone and let us have our apartments," said 70-year-old tenant Edward Fell.
Others say their landlord told them they could stay if they paid double the rent.
"He said to me, I make you deal with you. With manager and owner. I said, 'How much of a deal?' He said, 'make it double,'" said Mekredij Bronsezisn.
After three months of anxiously awaiting the hearing, it was finally held last Friday.
The landlord, however, didn't show up. Tenants say he spoke to the judge on speakerphone, saying he had to take his children to the dentist.
"The tenant will win because the landlord was not there to argue about this project," said Trepanier.
Tenants are pleased with the decision.
"This decision is very good because it's telling tenants: you have rights, you have you have protection," said Fell.
CTV News called the landlord for an interview but a representative refused comment.
While the final decision has yet to be handed down, tenants are confident they won't have to move anytime soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.
DEVELOPING Trump prosecutor focuses on 'cover-up' in closing arguments while defence attacks key witness
Donald Trump's landmark hush money trial turns on the testimony of a prosecution witness who told lies on the stand and cannot be trusted, a defence lawyer said Tuesday during closing arguments.