Hi
again Peter,
My colleague Enza tells me perhaps you
came here in person with this story - and that you don't have a phone
where we can reach you.
Can you please drop in at the CBC again
tomorrow - between 10 am and 2 pm - and ask for Enza Uda - so she can
meet you and talk about this?
Thanks again.
Regards,
Kathy Tomlinson
Reporter, CBC - Go Public
604-662-6813
>>> Peter Bracking <peterbracking@hotmail.com> 10/5/2011 11:29 am >>>
Reporter, CBC - Go Public
604-662-6813
>>> Peter Bracking <peterbracking@hotmail.com> 10/5/2011 11:29 am >>>
Hello:
This is a story of possible criminal negligence, health hazards, exploitation, tax fraud, lack of government oversight, and greed.
I am on welfare. I live in the Silver & Avalon Hotel at 165 West Pender, Vancouver. The residents are mostly drug addicts, some have mental illnesses, some are in poor health and some are elderly. Many have lived there for years and would not choose to rock the boat by trying to get decent living conditions for fear of being turned out. There are stipulated laws regarding the exploitation and I believe that they are being broken.
The building has no heat. Complaining to the management got the answer: "I will turn it on when it is cold." It has been cold for 2 weeks. It was very cold last night. But turning on the heat does not seem like it will help as there is a large window beside my room with no window pane. Management told me today that the heat would be turned on today but that is a promise and many promises have been made and not kept. Surely there is a law regarding heating a building. I have searched but cannot find anything regarding Single Room Occupancy rules. If this was an old folks home families would be up in arms and calling officials. This is surely criminal.
The building is overrun with vermin: bedbugs, cockroaches and mice. I have been trying for 2 weeks to have my room sprayed for the 4th time in 5 months. After the first spraying I have been sleeping on a mattress on the floor. So after 4 months I am told that a bed frame will appear. I was told that 3 days ago as well. The spraying is usually carried out by tenants who have no training using dangerous chemicals. In September a professional exterminator was called only because the city inspector ordered it. There are open garbage cans on every floor, emptied only a few time per week, that are the feeding grounds for the mice and roaches. In this situation does the law not call for sealed bins and very regular emptying?
In July, tenants complained of a stench coming from one room. Two weeks later the room was opened and a rotting corpse was found. This is inhumane to say the least. And it is definitely a health hazard. Today a professional team of cleaners has arrived, to clean that room it must be assumed.
In the room next to me there is a man who obviously has mental problems. His room is filled with garbage, breeding mice. But this is also a fire hazard. The management is aware of this.
The hallways are repositories for broken furniture, appliances, and bedding that has been tossed due to bedbugs. This mess can remain there for weeks.
The gross income for the hotel is $387,000 per annum ($375x86x12). It appears that as little money as possible is being spent on repairs and upkeep. Where does this profit go? How do they manage to not have it all taken in taxes. I believe that non-existent repairs are being claimed on the taxes.
Why does the government not oversee the SRO hotels in Vancouver? Is there no one to protect the poor from exploitation by slum landlords?
Is there any way your investigative team can expose this activity to help the 86 residents?
I look forward to your response.
Thank you
Peter Bracking
This is a story of possible criminal negligence, health hazards, exploitation, tax fraud, lack of government oversight, and greed.
I am on welfare. I live in the Silver & Avalon Hotel at 165 West Pender, Vancouver. The residents are mostly drug addicts, some have mental illnesses, some are in poor health and some are elderly. Many have lived there for years and would not choose to rock the boat by trying to get decent living conditions for fear of being turned out. There are stipulated laws regarding the exploitation and I believe that they are being broken.
The building has no heat. Complaining to the management got the answer: "I will turn it on when it is cold." It has been cold for 2 weeks. It was very cold last night. But turning on the heat does not seem like it will help as there is a large window beside my room with no window pane. Management told me today that the heat would be turned on today but that is a promise and many promises have been made and not kept. Surely there is a law regarding heating a building. I have searched but cannot find anything regarding Single Room Occupancy rules. If this was an old folks home families would be up in arms and calling officials. This is surely criminal.
The building is overrun with vermin: bedbugs, cockroaches and mice. I have been trying for 2 weeks to have my room sprayed for the 4th time in 5 months. After the first spraying I have been sleeping on a mattress on the floor. So after 4 months I am told that a bed frame will appear. I was told that 3 days ago as well. The spraying is usually carried out by tenants who have no training using dangerous chemicals. In September a professional exterminator was called only because the city inspector ordered it. There are open garbage cans on every floor, emptied only a few time per week, that are the feeding grounds for the mice and roaches. In this situation does the law not call for sealed bins and very regular emptying?
In July, tenants complained of a stench coming from one room. Two weeks later the room was opened and a rotting corpse was found. This is inhumane to say the least. And it is definitely a health hazard. Today a professional team of cleaners has arrived, to clean that room it must be assumed.
In the room next to me there is a man who obviously has mental problems. His room is filled with garbage, breeding mice. But this is also a fire hazard. The management is aware of this.
The hallways are repositories for broken furniture, appliances, and bedding that has been tossed due to bedbugs. This mess can remain there for weeks.
The gross income for the hotel is $387,000 per annum ($375x86x12). It appears that as little money as possible is being spent on repairs and upkeep. Where does this profit go? How do they manage to not have it all taken in taxes. I believe that non-existent repairs are being claimed on the taxes.
Why does the government not oversee the SRO hotels in Vancouver? Is there no one to protect the poor from exploitation by slum landlords?
Is there any way your investigative team can expose this activity to help the 86 residents?
I look forward to your response.
Thank you
Peter Bracking
RE: SRO problems
To: 'Peter Bracking'
Cc: Minister, EMH EMH:EX
Thank you for your email regarding Single Room Occupancy Hotels
and the Silver & Avalon Hotel. We appreciate the time you have
taken to make us aware of this situation. This is just a note to let
you know that your correspondence has been shared with the
Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister Responsible for Housing. He will
ensure that the appropriate ministry official follows up with you
directly.
Again, thank you for writing.
Madame Premier, Honourable MLA's, Ms. Tomlinson, Ms. Uda:
I have spoken to Ms Uda with Go Public who is investigating.
Two days ago I asked again when the heat would be turned on. I was told by the management: "Today." The heat is not on. Is it possible that this in not the first time the heat has been held back. There are records to check. A three person crew has spent 2 days cleaning the floors perhaps due to a visit from the city inspector in September.
No one could believe that the situation at the Silver & Avalon Hotel is unique among SRO accommodation in Vancouver. Could any party be said to support the poor while allowing these degrading living conditions?
What will be done to change this dilemma?
What of myself? This will have consequences. I am ill and await medical examination. There are waiting lists for SRO accommodation and few charge the allotted $375 per month. Will I be a part of the lottery for shelter beds and forced into the cold?
I look forward to your reply.
Again, thank you for writing.
From:
Peter
Bracking [mailto:peterbracking@hotmail.com] Sent:
Friday, October 7, 2011 11:27 AMTo:
OfficeofthePremier, Office PREM:EXCc:
deJong.MLA, Mike LASS:EX; stephanie.cadieux.mal@leg.bc.ca; Dix.MLA,
Adrian LASS:EX; Austin.MLA, Robin D LASS:EX;
john.cummins.mla@leg.bc.ca; gopublic@cbc.ca; Farnworth.MLA, Mike
LASS:EXSubject:
FW: SRO problems
Madame Premier, Honourable MLA's, Ms. Tomlinson, Ms. Uda:
I have spoken to Ms Uda with Go Public who is investigating.
Two days ago I asked again when the heat would be turned on. I was told by the management: "Today." The heat is not on. Is it possible that this in not the first time the heat has been held back. There are records to check. A three person crew has spent 2 days cleaning the floors perhaps due to a visit from the city inspector in September.
No one could believe that the situation at the Silver & Avalon Hotel is unique among SRO accommodation in Vancouver. Could any party be said to support the poor while allowing these degrading living conditions?
What will be done to change this dilemma?
What of myself? This will have consequences. I am ill and await medical examination. There are waiting lists for SRO accommodation and few charge the allotted $375 per month. Will I be a part of the lottery for shelter beds and forced into the cold?
I look forward to your reply.
RE: Silver and Avalon Hotel
Good
Morning Mr. Bracking,
Chris
Short (Vancouver Fire Prevention Inspector) and I went thru the
vacant restaurant, ground floor and basement areas of the hotel on
Oct.3/11. The restaurant was vacant and unoccupied. The Fire
Inspector and I had lengthy conversation with the management that
this area is not acceptable for living accommodations.
Regards,
Becky
Innes
Property
Use Inspector
City
of Vancouver
Licenses
& Inspections
Tel:
604.873.7762 Fax: 604.873.7100
From:
Peter Bracking [mailto:peterbracking@hotmail.com] Sent:
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 10:59 AMTo:
Innes, BeckySubject:
Ms Innes:
Re: the Silver and Avalon Hotel
Can you please tell me when you gave the order to close rooms R1 - R4 and why?
Thank you
Peter Bracking
Re: the Silver and Avalon Hotel
Can you please tell me when you gave the order to close rooms R1 - R4 and why?
Thank you
Peter Bracking
|
Parts of this message have been blocked for your safety. Show content|I trust jennykonkin@gmail.com. Always show content. |
Your cheques were
sent yesterday and will be arriving today or tomorrow via registered
mail. You can track it at www.CanadaPost.ca
tracking number RW695094231CA
I submitted a copy of the cheques to
the Residential Tenancy Branch. Please cancel the hearing as
promised. Thank you.
--
Regards,
Jenny
M. Konkin
Thank you for your message. You are receiving this automated reply because I want you to know that your message has been received. I regularly review messages to my office but the volume of email means that I am not able to immediately respond to every message. Every effort will be made to reply to you as soon as possible. If the information you have sent is about a concern that you have as a constituent, please make sure that you have given your full name, address and telephone number so my office is able to assist you efficiently. If you live outside Vancouver-Mount Pleasant please contact your own MLA for assistance or direct messages to ndp@leg.bc.ca<mailto:ndp@leg.bc.ca>. Due to the threat of computer viruses, Legislative Assembly Computer Support personnel advise us not to open attachments. If your email contained an attachment, please resend it in an alternative format. Please be assured that all email sent to this office is treated as confidential. If you would like more information about the work of the Opposition Caucus, please visit our website at http://bcndpcaucus.ca<http://bcndpcaucus.ca/>. Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA Vancouver-Mount Pleasant www.jennykwan.ca<http://www.jennykwan.ca/>
I will be away for the month of July -
but I'd like to connect with you when I come back (I will be working
on this exclusively at that point). Please send me a number
where I can call you?
Thanks again.
Cheers
Kathy Tomlinson
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
>>> Peter Bracking <peterbracking@hotmail.com> 6/28/2012 2:12 pm >>>
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
>>> Peter Bracking <peterbracking@hotmail.com> 6/28/2012 2:12 pm >>>
Ms. Tomlinson:
We can meet at your convenience. The when and where can be up to you as well.
Peter Bracking
We can meet at your convenience. The when and where can be up to you as well.
Peter Bracking
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:13:50 -0400
From: Kathy.Tomlinson@CBC.CA
To: peterbracking@hotmail.com
Subject: SRO problems
From: Kathy.Tomlinson@CBC.CA
To: peterbracking@hotmail.com
Subject: SRO problems
Hi Peter,
I'm still hoping to connect
with you again - because we are researching a potential in-depth
story about the management of SRO's in the DTES.
I could really use your
help. Can you please email me back - or better yet call me on
cell 778-847-4459?
I'd like to know what
happened with your case back in November and get any info from you
that could help us bring this to light.
Thanks again, in advance.
Cheers
Kathy Tomlinson
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
Dear
Peter,
Thank you for your email. I appreciate the chance to respond.
In terms of the issue of possible illegal room rentals: after giving it some thought, I suggest that the best solution might be for you to directly contact both the Solicitor-General and the Ministry of Social Development. It may be true that the RTB’s Dispute Resolution adjudicators would not have grounds to issue an order based on your complaints, as their ability to issue decisions is quite restricted under current laws to resolution of very specific issues. Therefore I would suggest reporting the allegations directly to the Minister responsible for issuing Income Assistance payments, as well as the Solicitor-General and the Minister responsible for housing, and requesting, as someone who was tenant on the premises, that they look into the circumstances. Further, you would be in the best position to outline the details of your situation. You could put forward your concern either by mail or by email, and please feel free to carbon copy my office so that I can stay informed on the issue.
Their contact information is as follows:
Hon. Stephanie Cadieux
Minister of Social Development
Room 236
Thank you for your email. I appreciate the chance to respond.
In terms of the issue of possible illegal room rentals: after giving it some thought, I suggest that the best solution might be for you to directly contact both the Solicitor-General and the Ministry of Social Development. It may be true that the RTB’s Dispute Resolution adjudicators would not have grounds to issue an order based on your complaints, as their ability to issue decisions is quite restricted under current laws to resolution of very specific issues. Therefore I would suggest reporting the allegations directly to the Minister responsible for issuing Income Assistance payments, as well as the Solicitor-General and the Minister responsible for housing, and requesting, as someone who was tenant on the premises, that they look into the circumstances. Further, you would be in the best position to outline the details of your situation. You could put forward your concern either by mail or by email, and please feel free to carbon copy my office so that I can stay informed on the issue.
Their contact information is as follows:
Hon. Stephanie Cadieux
Minister of Social Development
Room 236
Thank you for your message. You are receiving this automated reply because I want you to know that your message has been received. I regularly review messages to my office but the volume of email means that I am not able to immediately respond to every message. Every effort will be made to reply to you as soon as possible. If the information you have sent is about a concern that you have as a constituent, please make sure that you have given your full name, address and telephone number so my office is able to assist you efficiently. If you live outside Vancouver-Mount Pleasant please contact your own MLA for assistance or direct messages to ndp@leg.bc.ca<mailto:ndp@leg.bc.ca>. Due to the threat of computer viruses, Legislative Assembly Computer Support personnel advise us not to open attachments. If your email contained an attachment, please resend it in an alternative format. Please be assured that all email sent to this office is treated as confidential. If you would like more information about the work of the Opposition Caucus, please visit our website at http://bcndpcaucus.ca<http://bcndpcaucus.ca/>. Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA Vancouver-Mount Pleasant www.jennykwan.ca<http://www.jennykwan.ca/>
RE: slumlords
To see messages related to this one,
group
messages by conversation.
Dear
Peter: Thank you for your email. Jenny is away from the office today
which is why I reply.
While the allegations that you put forward are concerning, it would be difficult to proceed without some more concrete evidence.
My suggestion is that, if you or another current or former tenant can bring forward some evidence of illegal activity, it would be really helpful to Jenny in taking some action or in highlighting the situation.
We are sensitive to the pressures that the most marginalized tenants face, and some firm evidence of wrongdoing would give us something better to go on.
Best regards, Lisa
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennykwanmla
While the allegations that you put forward are concerning, it would be difficult to proceed without some more concrete evidence.
My suggestion is that, if you or another current or former tenant can bring forward some evidence of illegal activity, it would be really helpful to Jenny in taking some action or in highlighting the situation.
We are sensitive to the pressures that the most marginalized tenants face, and some firm evidence of wrongdoing would give us something better to go on.
Best regards, Lisa
--
Lisa
MacLeod
Constituency
Assistant to Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA (Vancouver-Mt. Pleasant)
T:
604-775-0790 F: 604-775-0881
Join
Jenny's Mailing List by visiting: www.jennykwan.caFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennykwanmla
Thank you
Thank you for your message. You are receiving this automated reply because I want you to know that your message has been received. I regularly review messages to my office but the volume of email means that I am not able to immediately respond to every message. Every effort will be made to reply to you as soon as possible. If the information you have sent is about a concern that you have as a constituent, please make sure that you have given your full name, address and telephone number so my office is able to assist you efficiently. If you live outside Vancouver-Mount Pleasant please contact your own MLA for assistance or direct messages to ndp@leg.bc.ca<mailto:ndp@leg.bc.ca>. Due to the threat of computer viruses, Legislative Assembly Computer Support personnel advise us not to open attachments. If your email contained an attachment, please resend it in an alternative format. Please be assured that all email sent to this office is treated as confidential. If you would like more information about the work of the Opposition Caucus, please visit our website at http://bcndpcaucus.ca<http://bcndpcaucus.ca/>. Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA Vancouver-Mount Pleasant www.jennykwan.ca<http://www.jennykwan.ca/>
Hi
Peter: Thank you. My best suggestion is that you bring any
documentation or paperwork related to the issue by the constituency
office. Open hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 am – 4 pm. I
Best regards, Lisa
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennykwanmla
Best regards, Lisa
--
Lisa
MacLeod
Constituency
Assistant to Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA (Vancouver-Mt. Pleasant)
T:
604-775-0790 F: 604-775-0881
Join
Jenny's Mailing List by visiting: www.jennykwan.caFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennykwanmla
Thank you
Thank you for your message. You are receiving this automated reply because I want you to know that your message has been received. I regularly review messages to my office but the volume of email means that I am not able to immediately respond to every message. Every effort will be made to reply to you as soon as possible. If the information you have sent is about a concern that you have as a constituent, please make sure that you have given your full name, address and telephone number so my office is able to assist you efficiently. If you live outside Vancouver-Mount Pleasant please contact your own MLA for assistance or direct messages to ndp@leg.bc.ca<mailto:ndp@leg.bc.ca>. Due to the threat of computer viruses, Legislative Assembly Computer Support personnel advise us not to open attachments. If your email contained an attachment, please resend it in an alternative format. Please be assured that all email sent to this office is treated as confidential. If you would like more information about the work of the Opposition Caucus, please visit our website at http://bcndpcaucus.ca<http://bcndpcaucus.ca/>. Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA Vancouver-Mount Pleasant www.jennykwan.ca<http://www.jennykwan.ca/>
RE: evidence re: silver and avalon
Dear
Peter: Thank you for the advice. I am looking into the situation and
will let you know if I need to follow up again with you for more
information.
Best regards, Lisa
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennykwanmla
Best regards, Lisa
--
Lisa
MacLeod
Constituency
Assistant to Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA (Vancouver-Mt. Pleasant)
T:
604-775-0790 F: 604-775-0881
Join
Jenny's Mailing List by visiting: www.jennykwan.caFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennykwanmla
RE: SRO problems
To see messages related to this one,
group
messages by conversation.
Hi
Peter - yes I am - but our focus is on SROs run by Atira Property
Management and owned by BC Housing. If you have any
info/contacts on that front, that would be great.
Cheers
Kathy Tomlinson
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
>>> Peter Bracking <peterbracking@hotmail.com> 8/14/2012 11:57 AM >>>
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
>>> Peter Bracking <peterbracking@hotmail.com> 8/14/2012 11:57 AM >>>
Ms. Tomlinson:
Is this still a story that you are working on?
Peter
Is this still a story that you are working on?
Peter
Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:33:38 -0400
From: Kathy.Tomlinson@CBC.CA
To: peterbracking@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: SRO problems
From: Kathy.Tomlinson@CBC.CA
To: peterbracking@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: SRO problems
Thanks Peter - much
appreciated.
I will be away for the
month of July - but I'd like to connect with you when I come back (I
will be working on this exclusively at that point). Please
send me a number where I can call you?
Thanks again.
Cheers
Kathy Tomlinson
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
>>> Peter Bracking <peterbracking@hotmail.com> 6/28/2012 2:12 pm >>>
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
>>> Peter Bracking <peterbracking@hotmail.com> 6/28/2012 2:12 pm >>>
Ms. Tomlinson:
We can meet at your convenience. The when and where can be up to you as well.
Peter Bracking
We can meet at your convenience. The when and where can be up to you as well.
Peter Bracking
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:13:50 -0400
From: Kathy.Tomlinson@CBC.CA
To: peterbracking@hotmail.com
Subject: SRO problems
From: Kathy.Tomlinson@CBC.CA
To: peterbracking@hotmail.com
Subject: SRO problems
Hi Peter,
I'm still hoping to connect
with you again - because we are researching a potential in-depth
story about the management of SRO's in the DTES.
I could really use your
help. Can you please email me back - or better yet call me on
cell 778-847-4459?
I'd like to know what
happened with your case back in November and get any info from you
that could help us bring this to light.
Thanks again, in advance.
Cheers
Kathy Tomlinson
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
Reporter, CBC Vancouver
604-662-6813
cell 778-847-4459
775 Cambie Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 2R5
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