Free parking to now cost $200 per month as Webster St. apartment ‘renoviction’ saga continues
There is a new chapter in the “renoviction” saga at Webster Street apartments in London, Ont.
The landlord is increasing their parking rate.
“Right now, parking is included with your rent,” said Mary Karlinski, a tenant at 1270 Webster St. “They're suggesting you get assigned parking and we'll pay $200 a month to park your where you live. If you want to go underground, it’s $300 a month, which is 10 times more than what it was to park underground".
Karlinski and others at 1270 and 1280 Webster St. received the notice Friday, May 26, 2023.
She said it states she did not register her vehicle with the office, and she is not permitted a spot with her lease agreement. She has until the end of the month to pay the new fees, or be tagged and/or towed.
CTV News reached out to the number listed on the parking letter handed to tenants. A man did answer the phone saying “Webster Apartments”, but told CTV “no one would be available to speak about the parking increase until Monday.”
A letter was sent to tenants at 1270 and 1280 Webster St. apartments in London, Ont. stating they will now have to pay either $200 or $300 per month to park at the building (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
The notice arrived on the same day that Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and London MPPs held a rally at the apartment complex, looking to stop renovictions.
“There is nothing stopping Prime Minster [Justin] Trudeau from putting this in right now,” said Singh. “The acquisition fund would support buildings like this remaining in public hands, or remaining in municipality hands or in a not-for-profit organization that wants to keep the rents low or even lower than further, that's something we can do right away. We'll be putting pressure on that to happen.”
ACORN London – a group who advocates for low-income tenants - said this parking notice is just another common tactic in renovictions to make staying more challenging for tenants.
‘They are being bullies,” said tenant Julie Gallagher. “They are harassing us, constantly sending us white letters to our door. Every time you open the door there is a letter. Park here, remove your car, it’s craziness.”
Tenants currently pay $240 per year to park underground at Webster Street apartments in London, Ont. A letter said it will soon cost $300 per month (Brent Lale/CTV News London
Karlinski said this latest notice is giving her anxiety. She hopes someone in government provides aid.
“Well they're [government officials] trying to find affordable housing,” said Karlinski. “Well, let's have people that have affordable housing, why add them to the mix? They're going to be looking for affordable housing which they already had.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.