BC Association of Community Response Networks

Vancouver Marpole CRN Seeking Stories on Seniors’ Experiences in Rental Housing


The Vancouver Marpole Community Response Network (CRN) and the South Vancouver Seniors’ Network are asking senior tenants to submit stories about their tenancy experiences as part of a larger campaign on the safety and wellness of senior tenants that is to begin in March. We also welcome submissions from landlords and building managers who want to share their experiences.

The CRN is accepting stories only from the Marpole, Oakridge, and the wider South Vancouver area. You must either be a senior tenant or someone who works in a seniors’ rental property.

Andrea Krombein, the CRN’s coordinator says: “We’re focusing on the topic of safety within the context of senior rental accommodations. There are many players in a rental tenancy agreement – the landlord, property management company, building managers, and the senior tenants. Each person offers an important perspective. We are aiming to create a safe space for everyone’s concerns to be heard and for dialogue on how we, as a community, can support one another.”

Stories may be submitted through email to SouthVancouverSeniorsNetwork@SVSN.ca or mailed to the community office of MLA Michael Lee at 6615 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, V5X 3H3. The deadline for stories is Friday, March 25 at noon.

Contact and personal details must be supplied but will be kept confidential. Stories will only be used with written permission.

The CRN and the South Vancouver Seniors Network are also hosting a series of free webinars to help senior tenants, landlords, and building managers learn more about the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.

These one-hour webinars are open to anyone.

Date & Time Topic & Speaker Access Details
March 3

10:30-11:30 AM

The BC Human Rights Clinic of the Community Legal Assistance Society is a program of the Community Legal Assistance Society, whose mandate is to advance dignity, equality, and justice for all. Zoom details:

·  Link

· Meeting ID:
827 9070 4582

· Passcode: 1234

You may also visit www.SVSN.ca and click on “launch meeting”. Use the same meeting ID and passcode as above.

To join by phone, please dial 778-907-2071 and use the meeting ID and passcode above.

March 10

10:30-11:30 AM

Tenant Resource Advisory Centre (TRAC) is a non-profit organization that provides free legal education, representation, and advocacy on residential tenancy matters. A leader in tenants’ rights since 1984, TRAC’s mandate is to enhance legal protections for all tenants living in British Columbia.
March 17

10:30-11:30 AM

The Residential Tenancy Branch of BC provides information, education and dispute resolution services for landlords and tenants.
March 24

10:30-11:30 AM

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) monitors the safety of seniors as part of their work and, with the Community Police, responds to calls from tenants in distress. VPD Constable James Hooper will discuss typical tenant situations involving police response and provide safety advice for tenants.
March 31

10:30-11:30 AM

Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, advocacy, emotional support, and referrals to older adults across BC who are dealing with issues affecting their well-being. Seniors First also aims to protect the legal rights of older adults and increase their access to justice.

 

(Header Photo: Creative Commons Liscence.)