By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice

The fight against so-called “renovictions” at a pair of Chatham apartment buildings has made its way to the top.

According to Darcy Bellinger, a tenant at 49 Taylor Ave., Premier Doug Ford is personally referring the matter to Attorney General Doug Downey.

“He’s going to pass my phone number on,” Bellinger told The Voice late last week after Ford called him. “At least the issue is getting somewhere. Hopefully, there will be some actual change that comes out of this.”

It’s been an eventful summer for Bellinger and the rest of the residents at 43 and 49 Taylor Ave. In August, tenants learned the Ontario Land Tribunal had approved a minor variance that allows Foundation Capital Private Real Estate Trust to build 14 micro-bachelor units at each of the three-storey walkups.

Rent at the 295 sq. units would be just under $1,200 a month.

Both Bellinger and his partner Toni Klassen, who have lived at the complex with their two children for 12 years, say reconfiguring the building means they will lose their home.

“This is about profits over people,” Bellinger said of the proposal, adding the OLT decision paves the way for Foundation Capital to evict tenants to complete the work.

“They didn’t expect that we we’re going to fight back,” Bellinger added. “We’re not just going to sit back and take it.”

Joining the 200,000-member Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now Canada (ACORN), is also an arrow in the couple’s arsenal. A coalition of low- and moderate-income residents, ACORN advocates for social and economic justice by fighting landlords and corporations through direct action.

Earlier this summer, when the Taylor Avenue issue headed to the OLT, the couple reached out to ACORN. As a result, the non-profit launched an online campaign against the development, headlined “Keep Families Housed: Stop Foundation Capital’s Renovictions.” Members of the public were invited to write in and make their concerns known to the municipality and Foundation Capital.

Both Klassen and Bellinger are considering forming an ACORN chapter in Chatham and are inviting others to join the cause, as a minimum of 30 people are needed to sign up. Dues are $15 per person to be paid monthly.

If successful, the Chatham chapter would be the first formed west of London.

Klassen has said the pair is willing to go to any lengths to stop the renovictions and help others, alleging there have been difficulties with the landlord since the property changed hands. Before Foundation Capital purchased the buildings in 2021, she said both structures were clean and well maintained.

But that’s no longer the case, she said, stating it’s difficult to contact anyone in charge, noting the landlord has employed five property managers at 43 and 49 Taylor Ave. in five years.

Klassen stressed she’s not against building upgrades.

“We’re not against renovations as obviously renovations are needed,” she explained. “We’re against renovations as a business plan to get rid of tenants.”

However, the couple says they’re being realistic about the future, adding they’re starting to look around for housing in their neighbourhood because they don’t want their children to have to change schools.

“We need to have a backup plan,” Bellinger said.

The original application by Foundation Capital to build the Taylor Avenue micro units was turned down by Chatham-Kent’s committee of adjustment, and by the municipality. But the company appealed to the OLT, which in turn ruled in their favour July 20. The tribunal’s adjudicator pointed out that no one from Chatham-Kent spoke on behalf of the municipality’s position.

Foundation Capital’s website states the private trust has grown to include 18 buildings in London, Ingersoll and Chatham, with 350-plus residential units.

It states the trust targets 15 per cent annual returns through a combination of cash distributions and capital appreciation, with a $10,000 minimum investment required.

“The private sector has a role to play,” the website states. “Foundation Capital is not waiting for someone else to solve this. We are acquiring, renovating, and operating affordable housing right now, in real communities across Southwestern Ontario. Every unit we create is one fewer family left behind.”

Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey, who has been helping Taylor Avenue residents, said she “stands” with tenants.

“I’m hopeful there are ways we can help them to remain housed,” the councillor said.

Foundation Capital owns several properties in Chatham-Kent.