ACORN Weston Chapter Organizes Tenants Amid Rent Increase and Building Condition Disputes

On Feb. 12, 2026, Tenants raised concerns about above-guideline rent increases, building conditions and inspection standards at the ACORN Canada Weston Chapter’s monthly meeting.

The meeting took place at the Weston-King Neighbourhood Centre at 2017 Weston Rd. at 6 p.m. ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) has been advocating for low- and moderate-income residents across Canada since 2004 and is organized into 30 local chapters in six provinces. Monthly meetings provide updates on tenant rights issues and serve as organizing spaces for community members.

Marcia Stone, the Weston Chapter lead, chaired the meeting and invited tenants to share ongoing concerns.

The first speaker, Richard, a tenant at 1524 Lawrence Ave. W., updated attendees on a dispute over alleged annual above-guideline rent increases (AGIs). He said tenants are challenging the proposed increases through a hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), part of Tribunals Ontario, which resolves disputes between landlords and tenants.

Richard said residents received less than the required 30 days’ notice for the hearing due to postal disruptions. He also raised concerns about building conditions, claiming that most elevators have been inoperable, with only one “that only sorta works.” He described the landlord’s representative arriving nearly an hour late to a previous LTB hearing before experiencing a medical emergency, leading to an adjournment. A new hearing date has not yet been announced. This will be the third hearing scheduled on the matter.

Stone then opened the floor to tenants from 20, 30 and 40 Falstaff Ave., buildings owned and operated by the same company. Residents described heating and cooling issues, water leaks and concerns about staff conduct. One tenant said she leaves her stove on during some winter days to stay warm. Another alleged intimidation when raising maintenance complaints. A third tenant questioned whether her household may be paying rent above what she believes is permitted based on income.

After discussion, attendees agreed to organize a tenant meeting on March 11 at 6 p.m. in one of the Falstaff buildings. The meeting will be open to residents of all three addresses and other community members to raise awareness and coordinate next steps.

Stone also updated attendees on broader city issues, including recent consultations on the City’s RentSafeTO program. ACORN leaders met with city councillors last month to advocate for stronger inspection standards. According to Stone, the program currently requires inspections of common areas but not individual rental units. ACORN is calling for more thorough inspections and expanded tenant protections. A public feedback form for Toronto renters is currently available, and a virtual meeting to gather tenant input is scheduled for March 4 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. ACORN plans to bring collected feedback to City Hall in early April.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Tenants at 1524 Lawrence Ave. W. continue to challenge above-guideline rent increases through the Landlord and Tenant Board.

• Residents at 20, 30 and 40 Falstaff Ave. raised concerns about heating, leaks and alleged intimidation by building staff.

• ACORN will host a tenant organizing meeting on March 11 to coordinate action at the Falstaff buildings.

• The Weston Chapter is advocating for reforms to the City’s RentSafeTO program, calling for more comprehensive unit inspections.

On-the-ground observations from our documenter, Jack Cochrane

Community members in attendance were largely supportive of the strategies developed at the meeting, particularly the plan to organize tenants at 20, 30 and 40 Falstaff Ave. and to continue fighting the AGI at 1524 Lawrence Ave W. The tone in the room suggested frustration but also determination. For tenants, these issues are not only financial but about safety and accessibility. In high rise buildings like these, elevator outages are more than an inconvenience: they shape daily mobility and everyday life.

From my understanding of the area, many residents are working class families, newcomers and seniors who rely heavily on rental protections to remain housed. These ACORN meetings function as both information sharing spaces and sites of collective empowerment within a housing market that often feels weighted against tenants.

CHECK YOUR FACTS

• ACORN Tenant Survey Flyer
• ACORN Bill 60 Petition Flyer
• Ontario Bill 60 (See schedule 12) 
• About Us- ACORN Canada
• Weston Chapter- Feb 12 Agenda