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Parkdale residents stage mass protest against rent increases

March 15th, 2017  |  Home

A group of more than 50 Parkdale residents who rent from the company MetCap Living Management gathered on Thursday morning at the renter's head office to loudly protest what they view as unfair rent increases that have contributed to the neighbourhood's gentrification.

MetCap owns 19 buildings in the Parkdale area, a sizable stretch of Toronto located south-east of High Park that is bordered by Roncesvalles, Dufferin, and the Gardiner Expressway. Though not traditionally a high income district, its proximity to the Roncesvalles and Bloor West Villages make it highly susceptible to gentrification in a time where housing prices all around Toronto have been skyrocketing.

Protesters have accused MetCap of making quick renovations and hiking up rent immediately after tenants move out. One called it "eviction by another name."

The actual protest was peaceful but far from shy. Participants first gathered outside the downtown office building, marching along the street before transitioning into the building's lobby. Police requested that they stay within the lobby's confines. Many of them carried signs that had flashed statements such as "Rent control now!!", "Decent homes for all!", and ""Tenants deserve respect."

At no point did MetCap representatives come and address them. Nor did CEO Brent Merrill respond to a CBC request for commentary on the situation.