Hi, Leveller staff here!
You're right the article didn't go into the plans. Some details have been omitted since the Bank Block discussion has been going on for a few months, and this article focused on the rallies that took place last week. Plans were proposed as far back as December 28, 2022, and there's been a few articles by other newsmedia, including The Fulcrum, CTV, OBJ, CBC, and CHUO.
The editorial we published at the same time as this article mentions "Smart Living plans to demolish the entire block and build a 9-storey building with around 263 units which will not be affordable." During the rally, a few tenants and supporters spoke that not only will these units not be affordable, they'll be significantly smaller. One of the site plans submitted to the city does look like 240 units will be single bedrooms or bachelors.
The tenants received a relocation and assistance plan, which includes 1. being given listings of rental units in the neighbourhood, 2. an allowance for moving, and 3. assistance with referrals, translations and tenants' needs as requested. What tenants spoke about in the media and at rallies before, is that there are no affordable rental units to move to as this is a pattern among developers and landlords in Ottawa and throughout Ontario.
By Ben Emond At the end of October, 2023, Smart Living Properties (I will call them “Smart Living” for short), who had bought not only my building but the entire block along Bank Street between Lisgar and Nepean Streets in the Fall of 2022, issued a termination of tenancy form (N13) to me and all …
By Emily Miller Tenants facing mass eviction from a heritage building in downtown Ottawa marched to their landlord’s office on Sept. 10. Residents are demanding that Smart Living Properties (SLP) drop the N13 eviction notices and meet with tenants. Thirty tenants and supporters organizing under the ...
