Abbey McInnis has been away from her home for several weeks due to severe flooding caused by a thunderstorm on Canada Day that severely damaged her apartment. The damage includes torn-up floors and walls with soaked drywall removed, making the living conditions uninhabitable. Despite her landlord’s support, McInnis had to research her rights as a tenant to navigate the situation.
In response to the aftermath of the Canada Day storm and resulting floods, Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Chandra Pasma organized an information session at Woodroffe United Church for affected tenants seeking guidance on legal matters. The session aimed to provide resources and allowed tenants to consult with a paralegal from Community Legal Services Ottawa to understand their rights better.
Tenants were advised to meticulously document all damages to their apartments and communications with landlords, emphasizing the importance of detailed information when submitting applications to the Landlord Tenant Board. Questions raised during the session extended beyond insurance coverage, focusing on safety concerns, necessary amenities, and the discretion of tenants regarding the habitability of their units.
Notably, residents from 30 McEwen Ave. were significantly impacted by the storm, with the majority of attendees at the information session residing in that building. The property, a 228-unit tower owned by Saickley Enterprises, suffered extensive water damage, electrical failures, and ongoing issues with elevators and hot water supply. Despite assurances from the company that there were no fire code violations preventing re-occupancy, some tenants expressed concerns about returning to their units.
Tammy Smith, a long-term resident of 30 McEwen Ave., emphasized the challenges faced by tenants in the aftermath of the flooding, noting the lack of support compared to homeowners. The informational session was viewed as a positive step forward, offering hope and guidance to tenants navigating the difficult circumstances.