Renters who live in two apartment buildings set to be demolished to make way for a 21-storey rental tower near CFB Esquimalt are banding together in hopes of staving off their eviction.

Residents at the nearly identical 1970s-era four-storey apartment buildings at 1340 Sussex St. and 1337 Saunders St. have formed a tenants association linked to the Victoria Tenants Union, a renter advocacy group.

The Nelson Street Tenant Association, named after the street fronting the two apartment complexes, said a majority of the 68 households in the two buildings have joined the association, which is demanding to be recognized as a collective bargaining unit.

In June, Intracorp Homes BC submitted a rezoning application to replace the two apartment buildings owned by Belmont Properties with a 335-unit, 21-storey rental tower, which would also include commercial space.

Nelson Street Tenant Association member Sean Sullivan, who lives at 1337 Saunders St., said residents have been told they have to be out of the building by next fall.

Tenants first began receiving notice that the building was going to be torn down about three months ago, but no formal eviction notices have been served, he said.

Sullivan, who shares an $1,800 monthly rent bill with a roommate, said an equivalent two-bedroom apartment in today’s rental market would likely cost $800 more per month.

“Nobody should have to choose between whether they can have lights on in their house or [whether] they eat,” he said. “You make $30,000 a year, you should be able to have a roof over your head.”

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/esquimalt-apartment-tenants-organize-to-fight-eviction-9497630

Tiny units in this building. 126 units that are 411-414 sqft (1-bed) and 386 sqft (studio). The 2 bed, 2-bath are all under 800 sqft. Only 23 out of 335 units are over 800 sqft. Liveability is really bleak in these new high rise towers.

OCP amendment approved by Council for 21 storeys and 4 FAR on this site.