Point Douglas groups want to help rooming house tenants report problem conditions

Three community groups in Winnipeg's Point Douglas neighbourhood are helping rooming-house tenants ensure that their living spaces are safe.

The North Point Douglas Women's Centre, Grace Point Church andPoint Powerline started handing out flyers on Thursdaywith a fire safety checklist andinformation about tenants' rights under the City of Winnipeg's livability bylaw.

The organizations are alsoencouraging tenants to complain about substandard conditions even if they want to do so anonymously, if they're afraid of being evicted for speaking out.

Tenants can speak with representatives from the three groups, who will contact the city on their behalf.

Rooming house tour

8 years ago

Duration 1:18

Three community groups in Winnipeg's Point Douglas neighbourhood are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to improving conditions in rooming houses.

One of the representatives, Sel Burrows of Point Powerline, said they're taking action because they believe the city is not doing enough to enforce theneighbourhood livability bylaw.

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"We hope that the quality of life of people living in rooming houses will improve immensely and most importantly, because of the fire inspections that will come about because of our actions, that we will not have any more deaths in rooming-house fires," Burrows said.

Bryon Ohrling, who has lived in almost 40 rooming houses since 1964 and survived two rooming-house fires, said he's happy someone is doing something about the conditions tenants often face.

"I'm just happy that these guys are doing what they're doing and people that are living in rooming houses will be a little bit more comfortable," he said.

Bryon Ohrling has survived 2 rooming house fires

8 years ago

Duration 1:56

Three community groups in Winnipeg's Point Douglas neighbourhood are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to improving conditions in rooming houses.

Ohrling said he knows many rooming-house landlords are not meeting safety and livabilitystandards, and many tenants don't know their rights or who they can turn to for help.

"The government has to do something. It's not a fun thing," he said. "People have to live somewhere and unfortunately rooming houses ... it's better than the riverbank for sure, right?"

Burrows said city officials have already committed their support for theircampaign.

"They have been really supportive of what we're doing," he said. "If there are identifiable failures in living up to the bylaws, they will investigate and enforce."