Greater Napanee’s top administrator is calling for change after raising concerns about landlords getting public money for unsafe housing.
Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Grant spoke to the Prince Edward-Lennox & Addington Social Services (PELASS) Committee last week, asking for support to push the province for new rules. He says some landlords are collecting rent from public funds while offering unsafe, non-compliant housing to vulnerable people.
Grant described shocking conditions, including fire risks, no sanitation, and mistreatment of animals. He stressed that municipalities are forced to act under fire and building laws, but current systems keep funding dangerous units.
While some committee members supported the need for change, others worried that cutting funding could leave people homeless.
PELASS voted to accept Grant’s report but didn’t commit to joining provincial talks.
Grant later said he was disappointed but hopeful about working with other municipalities on a larger strategy to protect low-income tenants.
Written by Emily Chatwood
