- Background
A Winnipeg landlord, Kelly Vasas, is facing $9,000 in penalties from the provincial government following the eviction of dozens of tenants from his apartment building on College Avenue. - Illegal Evictions
The province alleges that the evictions, which occurred on July 12, were illegal. The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) issued 32 orders to Vasas after residents were forced to leave with little notice. - Tenant Experiences
Many tenants reported being offered cash to vacate their units, while others had their belongings discarded without warning. - Provincial Response
In response to the situation, the province expressed “outrage” and quickly hired locksmiths and security personnel to allow tenants to re-enter the building. - Expert Opinion
Sarah Cooper, an assistant professor in the University of Manitoba’s city planning department, stated that the $9,000 penalties seem insufficient given the distress caused to the tenants. She criticized Manitoba’s regulations as lacking adequate repercussions, despite the province having some of the strongest tenancy laws in Canada. - Vasas’s Connections
Documents reveal that Kelly Vasas is associated with at least eight other apartment buildings across various Winnipeg neighborhoods, including Centennial and St. Boniface. - Impact on Vulnerable Tenants
St. Boniface Street Links, an organization that previously housed homeless individuals in the College Avenue building, reported that some clients have returned to encampments since being evicted. Michelle Wesley, a program co-ordinator for the organization, shared the heartbreaking story of a young mother who lost her home and hopes after the eviction. - Appeal of Penalties
The RTB’s issued penalties of $9,000 can be appealed to the Residential Tenancies Commission. Vasas’s lawyer, Garry Sinnock, confirmed that his client is appealing the penalties, with a hearing scheduled for the end of October.
