Residents say new tenant jumped queue

April 18, 2012

(This is a copy of a letter sent to Parry Sound Council, Parry Sound Muskoka MPP Norm Miller and MP Tony Clement, the Parry Sound Non-Profit Housing Board and the Parry Sound District Social Services Administrative Board. It was provided to the North Star for publication.)
As tenants and residents of Beaucrest Apartments on Bowes Street we want to inform  you of our concern with how a new resident was selected by the Parry Sound Non-Profit Board being able to bypass the waiting list. We have been informed by the property manager that this person has been selected due to the fact that he will be responsible for the security of the building i.e. emergencies, building lock up etc.
This task has always been done by a current resident and there are several existing tenants that would be willing to take on this responsibility, as it provides benefits such as lower rent.
That waiting list for Beaucrest has always been very long and this list depends on whether people qualify for market rent or rent-geared-to-income. We understand that the waiting list is over 50. The latest tenant to move in had to wait for seven years.
The new tenant that has bypassed the waiting list is a former prominent businessman, and we feel that this sets a dangerous precedent. What will the next reason to jump the long waiting list be? We, the residents of Beaucrest, feel that this is extremely unfair to both existing and future residents of Beaucrest.
We would ask that the decision of the board be reversed and to enquire who of the current tenants or those on the waiting list would be willing to take on this security role.
We thank you for your attention in this matter and look forward to your early reply.
Olive Patterson
President
Beaucrest Tenants Association