Dundas 50 Creighton Rd. investigation remains confidential after three weeks
Less than 43 days after it was purchased for $2.7 million, the former Dundas Lions Club non-profit seniors affordable housing developments was listed for sale by its new owner at an asking price of $5 million. - Craig Campbell/Metroland
Ontario’s Rental Housing Enforcement Unit (RHEU) investigation of 50 Creighton Rd. landlord Proformance Investments GP Inc. continues after more than three weeks.
Details of the ongoing investigation of several alleged offences under the Residential Tenancies Act remain confidential.
The enforcement unit, a division of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, launched an investigation of 50 Creighton Rd. landlord Proformance Investments GP Inc., Dec. 16 following alleged attempts to illegally collect a rent increase at the former Dundas Lions Club non-profit affordable seniors' housing building.
“The investigation continues,” ministry spokesperson Richard Stromberg said, Jan. 5. “We will let you know when we have more to say.”
Stromberg would not say at what stage the investigation was or how much more time would be needed before the unit could release its findings.
“The RHEU is following its investigative process at this time,” Stromberg said.
Proformance was contacted at least twice since November by the RHEU regarding possible infractions of the Residential Tenancies Act.
The enforcement unit informed the landlord of its responsibilities under the act two months ago after a plan to illegally raise rents and direct tenants to pay all 12 months of 2021 in advance by postdated cheques.
Any rent increase for 2021, and requiring payment by postdated cheques, are both offences under the act.
The enforcement unit was in contact with the landlord again regarding a Dec. 11 letter about moving monthly rental payments to automatic debit. Requiring tenants to pay by automatic debit is an offence under the act.
Proformance president Derek Conorton has not responded to requests for comment.
Proformance Investments listed the property for sale for $5 million on Nov. 17, about 43 days after buying it from the Dundas Lions Club for $2.7 million. The listing was cancelled on December 10. The property had not been sold as of January 5.
A person guilty of an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act can be fined up to $50,000 for each offence. A corporation guilty of an offence under the act can be fined up to $250,000 per offence.
