Residents of the Rockhill apartments in Montreal
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08 April 2024
The Rockhill Tenants' Collective (RTC) and representatives of Minto had their monthly meeting on March 18, 2024. The following points were discussed: 1. Rent Increase: The discussion began with rent increases. The RTC used the TAL calculation tool to estimate figures in the absence of data from Minto. Carmelo Contarini admitted to forgetting to provide the necessary information but promised its immediate delivery, which was received shortly after the call by the RTC. The differences in rent increases between April and May/June were clarified, revealing that it involved reusing the figures from 2023 because the billing group in Ottawa was not ready. The need for better preparation and transparency was emphasized. The RTC examined the information provided and discovered numerous deficiencies. 2. Alarm Inspection in Building B: Issues were raised about the work management processes, including legal compliance, coordination, and the impact on tenants. Suggestions for improvement included better planning, communication, and an apology to tenants. Minto acknowledged the need for improved communication, but pleaded that it was impossible to preview the issues, which the RTC immediately challenged, suggesting proactive measures that could have made this project more successful and improve future operations. 3. Elevator Problems: The RTC expressed concerns over the recurring elevator issues and inquired about Minto's plans for modernization. Eric Cao explained the challenges due to the age of the elevators and ongoing efforts to address them, with a project possibly extending into 2025. The discussion highlighted the importance of clear communication and transparency from Minto regarding the nature of the problems and the plans for infrastructure improvements. 4. Billing Issues: Persistent billing problems were discussed, with the CLR highlighting the stress and anger caused by repeated errors. The discussion stressed the need for accurate billing and respectful communications, for both tenant satisfaction and Minto's financial health. Proposed solutions included evaluating current procedures and adopting a proactive approach to correct errors.
Read More...22 February 2024
Several tenants have come forward since the last meeting, reporting receiving notices for imaginary amounts.
Despite discussions with the administration, they continue to receive new notices every month. In some cases, the person in charge of the building had told the tenant that everything was fine and that they owed nothing, but a few days later, a new letter was sent to them.
21 February 2024
The Rockhill administration told the RTC that they have escalated the issue of the numerous billing errors and related unjustified notices of legal action. Unfortunately there is nothing concrete so far and the Montreal-based team is left without the ability to drive this process, as they cannot commit to any specific steps or timeframes.
The RTC reminded the administration of the level of stress caused by the numerous and frequently elderly tenants targeted without justification. This is particularly intolerable as the letters are sent multiple times in spite of having discussed the issues in person with administration representatives.
The administration was advised that, in light of the large number of invalid notices being sent out, a tenant could successfully argue to the administrative tribunal that they can no longer take those letters seriously since they regularly are sent by mistake.
The administration said that they were verifying the accounts one by one. The RTC countered that what tenants are looking for is a commitment to a change of procedures so that good tenants that pay their rents are not treated like delinquents through no fault of their own.
Monday 9th of September 2024 at 7 PM
In the hall of building C
(next to the stores)
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Affected by the deterioration of the Rockhill Apartments in Montreal, some tenants began meeting in July 2023 to consider ways to address the situation.
From these meetings emerged the Rockhill Tenants Collective, a spontaneous group dedicated to upholding the rights of residents and the heritage value of this once upscale and avant-garde complex.
