New owner has big plans for condemned Plateau building, calls tenants 'collateral damage'

Tenants of a five-storey apartment building on the Plateau-Mont-Royal say the City of Montreal is doing their new landlord's work for him by condemning the structure and forcing them out, giving them until next week to find somewhere else to live.

A city spokesperson said the city had no choice but to evict tenants from 1150 Marie-Anne Street East after discovering while treating a "massive" infestation of cockroaches and bedbugs that the decrepit building's central heating system doesn't work.

"The tenants need the city to stand by them," the spokesperson, Philippe Sabourin, told CBC Montreal's Daybreak Tuesday.

The building has long been the subject of a litany of complaints, ranging from mould and water infiltration to a lack of hot water and insect infestations.

Some apartments have exposed wiring, unfinished renovations and drooping ceilings.

"Evicting people is never the solution we put forward first, never," said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante Tuesday. "We want people to stay in their home." 

"But if it's for public health, and it's for security matters, at one point, we have to do what we have to do."

Lack of heat leads to fire hazards

After no response from the landlord on the insect infestation, Montreal finally stepped in and did the extermination work itself last month.

That's when it discovered the building's central heating system had broken down.

Not having a safe source of heat this time of year is unacceptable, Sabourin said.

Tenants have resorted to using alternative heat sources such as leaving hot ovens open to warm up their apartments, he said, creating fire safety concerns.

The lack of heating, coupled with the unsanitary conditions, has left the city with no other option but to condemn the building and evict the tenants, Sabourin said.

"It's too risky for them," he said.

Tenants don't want to be forced out

The building, located about a block north of La Fontaine Park, changed hands around two weeks ago, although the new owner, the Mahlex Group, has not yet taken possession.

Building supervisor Alain St-Georges said he has informed the new owner of the problems, including the lack of heating.

"Nothing moves," he told Radio-Canada. "Nothing gets done. We're left to fend for ourselves."

While tenants are upset about the building's unsanitary living conditions, many would prefer to stay put.

"I got the notice Friday. I gotta leave. What the hell?" said resident Louis Belley. "Is there a fire? No. Is that an emergency suddenly?"

The tenants also question why the eviction notice came one day after they paid rent on Oct. 1.

Tenant Marc Giard says, at the very least, rent money should be returned. 

He and his fellow occupants of the building are also worried about where they are going to go next.

"I did not find a [new] apartment," said tenant Carole Pigeon. "I have no money. I am on welfare."​

New owner plans major renos

Many tenants are retired or living on social assistance, and some told Radio-Canada they're worried the owner wants people evicted so the building can be turned into luxury apartments in a neighbourhood known for its pricey housing.

They may be right to worry.

The new owner, Mahlex Group, specializes in acquiring properties in need of major repairs.

"There is a market in Montreal, one that is very lucrative. And we are in this business, basically," said Mahlex partner Mahir Ozdilek.

"Unfortunately, there is that collateral damage where there is tenants living in the property," he said.

"We need to assess that problem."

Ozdilek says his company is currently in negotiations over how much it will pay tenants to give up their leases. Most, he said, have already agreed on an amount.

While he says he typically gives tenants 30 to 60 days to vacate their apartments, the city's concern over the poor state of the building means it has given tenants just two weeks to clear out.

Ozdilek said he intends to fully renovate the property, turning it into a "smart building," including installing a surveillance system.

Once major work is done, he said the apartments will be listed at market rental rates.

"High end is just a perspective, right?" he said.

"What I can tell you is that it will be brand new, functional and clean." 

Sabourin said the city is working with the city's housing authority, the Office Municipal d'Habitation de Montréal (OMHM), to ensure all the evicted tenants find a new place to live.

"You have our word: everyone will get a decent dwelling, apartment, in the [coming] days," he said.  "We will help them. We will find solutions, step by step."

With files from Radio-Canada and CBC Montreal's Daybreak