1. Illicit Lockout Incident: A landlord in Sarnia that unlawfully locked out tenants following a fire has incurred substantial fines from Ontario’s landlord and tenant board, according to Melissa Bradley from Community Legal Assistance Sarnia.
2. Unprecedented Fines: The landlord received fines totaling $490,000, the maximum penalty of $35,000 per application, which Bradley describes as a groundbreaking ruling. Such hefty fines are rare, setting a precedent in this case.
3. Nature of Fines: These fines, which amount to $35,000 for each of the 14 applications, go directly to the board. Additionally, individual tenants received damages, as awarded by board vice-chair Robert Patchett in his decision.
4. Damage Awards: Patchett’s decision, dated March 11, saw damages granted to affected tenants ranging from a few thousand dollars to approximately $20,000. One tenant, part of a family of four, received around $17,000 due to their unit being rendered uninhabitable.
5. Responsibility of Landlord: Equity Builders Inc., based in Mississauga, is held fully accountable for the damages caused, according to Patchett’s decision. The company’s actions in this case were deemed negligent and egregious.
6. Background: The incident dates back to February 2023 when tenants were illegally locked out following a fire at 721 Earlscourt Dr. Despite an appeal being quashed in July, the landlord continued to deny tenants access until enforcement action was taken.
7. Responses: Equity Builders previously disagreed with the Landlord and Tenant Board decision, citing safety concerns as the reason for tenants’ exclusion. However, Patchett’s decision rebukes this argument, emphasizing the landlord’s failure to comply with the board’s directives.
8. Ongoing Challenges: Despite the board’s ruling, repairs at the affected building are still incomplete. Some tenants remain displaced, awaiting the completion of renovations, while others struggle to find affordable housing elsewhere.
9. Continued Advocacy: Bradley notes the persistence of affected tenants who have endured prolonged displacement. Despite facing considerable challenges, they remain steadfast in seeking resolution and justice.
10. Repeat Offender: This incident isn’t the first time Equity Builders Inc. has faced legal action for locking out tenants after a fire. A similar offense occurred in 2010 in Mississauga, indicating a pattern of disregard for tenants’ rights.

Instances like these underscore the importance of robust tenant protections and enforcement measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of renters across Ontario.