City urged to help tenants in substandard conditions

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The New Brunswick ACORN group asked the City of Moncton Monday to help people who are living in substandard conditions and a landlord registration system to prevent apartments from falling into disrepair.

Peter Jongeneelen and Nikki Kennedy, representing the NB ACORN group, reported on results of a survey done last year and the report, entitled “State of Disrepair.” They said 188 residents responded to the survey, which indicated that many tenants live in apartments with insects, rodents, mould and other substandard conditions. The survey indicated that housing units need to be repaired but tenants don’t want to talk about it with their landlords because they are afraid of being evicted.

Kennedy said it is heartbreaking that people in these conditions and are afraid to ask for help. She said there is a complaint-based system of getting things fixed but people need to know that it exists.

Jongeneelen said there is a system in place but it needs to be improved.

“We want to make sure that all units in the city are registered, so the city can check on them proactively,” he said, suggesting that a registration system would be a step to keep landlords on top of problems faced by their tenants.

• A large crowd filled the city council chambers to standing room only as Dr. Sarah Lord, health and wellness co-ordinator of the Moncton Lions Community Centre, made a presentation, saying the seniors are mourning the loss of their program. The seniors organization was moved out of a building they had been using for more than 50 years to make room for a homeless shelter. They had a space in the Heritage Court building but moved out of there as well. The executive director said last week she had resigned.

Lord described her presentation as a “eulogy” as nearly 500 members of the seniors’ group had been using the services. She also said the 211 information line isn’t filling the gap.

City manager Serge Doucet said the city will continue to support recreational and social programming for seniors, and there are many opportunities through organizations like the YMCA.

Deputy Mayor Shawn Crossman suggested a round-table meeting between the city and the seniors group to discuss plans and the types of programs that can be offered.

Mayor Dawn Arnold said the city remains committed to improving the quality of life for all citizens, including seniors, and wants to provide the best programs for the most people.

•  Bill Whalen, the co-chair of Events Moncton, said the organization had a good year that began with the World Juniors hockey championships at the Avenir Centre. The organization was formed with funding coming from the city’s levy on hotel rooms to help bring events to the city which help drive tourism and provide economic spinoffs to hotels, restaurants, retail and other business.

Whalen noted the city hosted an international soccer tournament and a concert by Carrie Underwood and Guns ‘N Roses at the Moncton stadium, the Atlantic Slam basketball tournament and the New Year’s Eve celebrations on Main Street. Whalen said the group is now preparing a 10-year strategic plan, looking for international events to bid on and also looking to be more independent from the city.