Critical Moment for 1130 Water St.
We Need Your Support Today!!
Please e-mail endorsements/support to City Council (details below).
UPDATE:
On Monday night, the squatters (who have been occupying an empty city building since June 15th), along wiht PCAP, made an incredibly well-received presentation to the Peterborough City Council (see below for details about the proposal that was presented). Although the City originally asked the squatters to leave the building on Tuesday until the safety risks of the mold in the house could be determined, the squatters now seem to have a few more days in the house while we wait for the City's response to the presentation. The City has agreed to spend $5000 on a study to investigate the mold as well as the cost to remove it. One councillor is even quoted as saying that the squatters/PCAP "may have come up with a model that works extremely well for a lot of people."
The council meeting was attended by many supporters as well as a national rep from the CAW and the president of the Peterborough & District Labour Council - both of whom are exploring tangible ways to support and work in partnership with the the squatters and the City. The squatters are also investigating the inclusion of another local organization to oversee some hands-off responsibility for what will be a self-managed home. As the city councillor's consider the squatters' proposal regarding the future of 1130 Water St. the next few days are a critical time for the squat.
The squatters are confident that they will be able to reach an agreement with the City which will be agreeable and beneficial to everyone involved. We also know that support from the local community and beyond is crucial for the City to endorse the squat proposal.
Now, more than ever, we need a demonstration of support from individuals and organizations in the Peterborough community. Let the City know that you / your organization endorse this innovative and creative project where diverse partners will join together to provide affordable housing for homeless members of this community.
Send your letters of support and endorsement to these Councillors and City Officials:
Please copy all e-mails to: slamble@pipcom.com
GPagett@city.peterborough.on.ca
mayor@city.peterborough.on.ca
BHall@city.peterborough.on.ca
JoPritchard@city.peterborough.on.ca
DPeacock@city.peterborough.on.ca
PAyotte@city.peterborough.on.ca
medwards@nexicom.net
BJuby@city.peterborough.on.ca
JDoris@city.peterborough.on.ca
HClarke@city.peterborough.on.ca
JLeal@city.peterborough.on.ca
mhunt@city.peterborough.on.ca
clyon@city.peterborough.on.ca
Squatters' Proposal to City Council:
In order to come to a mutual agreement regarding the future use of 1130 Water Street which will both address City concerns and create affordable housing, PCAP has developed a proposal for Council to consider. Although we began last Sunday with 5 demands to the City, in the spirit of cooperation and compromise we have significantly changed our proposal so as to accommodate the city's concerns. Based on discussions of the City's Draft 'Letter of Understanding' dated June 18, 2003, PCAP proposes the following:
a) PCAP agrees to take full responsibility for the improvements necessary to ensure a safe standard of occupancy (as agreed by the occupants and the City) at 1130 Water Street;
b) The City will authorize a 5-year loan of 1130 Water Street to PCAP or an entity on behalf of PCAP to be self-managed by its occupants; Given that PCAP will bear the costs of repairs on a building that the City intended to keep empty, we feel it is not unreasonable for rental payments to be waived;
c) The occupants at 1130 Water Street agree to pay all utility costs during the 5 years;
d) The occupants will be granted access to the property unless the building is proven to be hazardous, at which point, the occupants must be provided with alternative housing as agreeable to them. If such housing is not found the occupants must be allowed to remain on the property outside the building;
e) The City will increase the funding and supports available to assist residents of Peterborough whose hydro has been or will be cut off because they can not afford to pay the bill;
(NOTE: For a full-copy of the 5 page presentation, please contact slamble@pipcom.com and we will forward you a copy).
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Support the Squat at 1130 Water Street Building.
PCAP has occupied an empty city-owned building!!!
1. FILM NIGHT: Sunday June 22 @ 8 p.m.
Community event at the squat, 1130 Water St. , Peterborough
Film (TBA), Discussion, and Free Food
2. CITY COUNCIL MTG Monday June 23 @ 7 p.m.
City Council Meeting at city hall, 500 George St. N.
Squatters will present their case to the Council
Pack the Meeting! Support the Squat!
Demand Affordable Housing NOW!
Squat Update #2:
PCAP Squat enters fourth night amidst negotiations with city
(Peterborough , ON ) -- As of Wednesday June 18, 2003 the Squat at 1130 Water Street is still going strong. A dozen squatters have been staying on the property (both inside the house and in tents on the back lawn) accompanied by numerous daily visitors.
The squatters have been busy working to improve the property -- cutting the lawn, planning a flower garden, installing fire detectors and looking into building repairs. A communal cooking, composting and cleaning schedule has been devised and daily tasks are shared cooperatively.
The community response has been very positive -- the neighbours are friendly and some have donated furniture and household supplies to the squat. One neighbour even called the city to demonstrate her support.
On Monday, two city planners visited the squat and indicated that they would like to resolve the matter through discussion with the squatters. The city officials assured the squatters that the police would not be called unless there were complaints from the neighbours or evidence of illegal activity.
This afternoon, squatters met again with the city planners to negotiate the building's future.
City planners expressed their concerns about mould in the basement which could be toxic -- citing this as the reason why the previous tenant was relocated to another building. However, after reading the health inspector’s report, squatters discovered that the type of mould in the building is not necessarily hazardous -- of a possible 185 varieties, only 20 types are considered toxic. The inspector advised a second report be conducted after a proper cleaning of the basement. Up until now the City has not followed up with this recommendation.
Upon the squatters' request, the City has now promised to finance a second pre-cleaning inspection to confirm the status of the mould (by an accredited inspector of the squatters' choice). The City has also offered a contractor's estimate for repairs. If the building is officially turned over to the squatters for self-managed housing, they are willing to take care of the repairs themselves.
Though previously used for affordable housing, the building has been vacant for at least 7 months since a flood damaged the basement. City planners did not repair the house because it is located on a stretch of riverside land that is slated to be converted into green space. The City intends to purchase all the houses along the river with the intent of relocating or demolishing the buildings in the vicinity.
Community members took over the empty building on Sunday evening as part of the Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty's "Give it or Guard it" Housing Campaign and Squatting tour. The summer-long campaign tours unused buildings in the city that could be used for squatting or affordable housing.
On Monday June 23, the squatters will take their case to city council. They will rally outside city hall at 7pm and then present the following demands to council:
1) Turn over the house at 1130 Water St. to the squatters to be self-managed as cooperative housing;
2) Create a City-financed support fund to assist residents of Peterborough whose hydro has been or will be cut off because they can not afford to pay the bill;
3) Undertake a city-wide inspection and repair blitz: Inspect and order repairs on all unsafe and substandard housing in the City;
4) Grant legal amnesty to all squatters at 1130 Water St.
1. FILM NIGHT: Sunday June 22 @ 8 p.m.
Community event at the squat, 1130 Water St. , Peterborough
Film (TBA), Discussion, and Free Food
2. CITY COUNCIL MTG Monday June 23 @ 7 p.m.
City Council Meeting at city hall, 500 George St. N.
Squatters will present their case to the Council
Pack the Meeting! Support the Squat!
Demand Affordable Housing NOW!
Squat Update #2:
PCAP Squat enters fourth night amidst negotiations with city
(Peterborough , ON ) -- As of Wednesday June 18, 2003 the Squat at 1130 Water Street is still going strong. A dozen squatters have been staying on the property (both inside the house and in tents on the back lawn) accompanied by numerous daily visitors.
The squatters have been busy working to improve the property -- cutting the lawn, planning a flower garden, installing fire detectors and looking into building repairs. A communal cooking, composting and cleaning schedule has been devised and daily tasks are shared cooperatively.
The community response has been very positive -- the neighbours are friendly and some have donated furniture and household supplies to the squat. One neighbour even called the city to demonstrate her support.
On Monday, two city planners visited the squat and indicated that they would like to resolve the matter through discussion with the squatters. The city officials assured the squatters that the police would not be called unless there were complaints from the neighbours or evidence of illegal activity.
This afternoon, squatters met again with the city planners to negotiate the building's future.
City planners expressed their concerns about mould in the basement which could be toxic -- citing this as the reason why the previous tenant was relocated to another building. However, after reading the health inspector’s report, squatters discovered that the type of mould in the building is not necessarily hazardous -- of a possible 185 varieties, only 20 types are considered toxic. The inspector advised a second report be conducted after a proper cleaning of the basement. Up until now the City has not followed up with this recommendation.
Upon the squatters' request, the City has now promised to finance a second pre-cleaning inspection to confirm the status of the mould (by an accredited inspector of the squatters' choice). The City has also offered a contractor's estimate for repairs. If the building is officially turned over to the squatters for self-managed housing, they are willing to take care of the repairs themselves.
Though previously used for affordable housing, the building has been vacant for at least 7 months since a flood damaged the basement. City planners did not repair the house because it is located on a stretch of riverside land that is slated to be converted into green space. The City intends to purchase all the houses along the river with the intent of relocating or demolishing the buildings in the vicinity.
Community members took over the empty building on Sunday evening as part of the Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty's "Give it or Guard it" Housing Campaign and Squatting tour. The summer-long campaign tours unused buildings in the city that could be used for squatting or affordable housing.
On Monday June 23, the squatters will take their case to city council. They will rally outside city hall at 7pm and then present the following demands to council:
1) Turn over the house at 1130 Water St. to the squatters to be self-managed as cooperative housing;
2) Create a City-financed support fund to assist residents of Peterborough whose hydro has been or will be cut off because they can not afford to pay the bill;
3) Undertake a city-wide inspection and repair blitz: Inspect and order repairs on all unsafe and substandard housing in the City;
4) Grant legal amnesty to all squatters at 1130 Water St.
Friday, May 30, 2003
Upcoming PCAP Actions
Upcoming PCAP EVENTS:
1. Squeegee Action and No-Poorbashing Leafletting: Saturday May 31
2. Squatting Tour & Affordable Housing Action: Sunday June 15th
****************************
1. Squeegee Action & No-Poorbashing Leafletting Saturday May 31st @ Ptbo Square (George & Simcoe St)
PCAP invites you to squeegee downtown and/or hand out leaflets against poorbashing.
-Support the rights of panhandlers
-Tell the DBIA to stop poor-bashing
-Confront police harassment of poor people
This is a legal action. Participate or observe. All welcome.
Tell the DBIA to Stop Poor-bashing!
The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has recently launched an anti-panhandling campaign to discourage local residents from giving money to panhandlers. Instead, residents are encouraged to give panhandlers 50¢ coupons which can be redeemed at local businesses for food and clothing. To promote this campaign, the DBIA is using poor-bashing rhetoric to convince the public that panhandlers spend their money on booze & drugs.
Not only are these claims false (the majority of panhandlers use the money for basic survival - food and shelter) but the DBIA is taking away panhandlers' rights to manage their own money.
The DBIA anti-panhandling campaign is just another attempt to demonize, humilate and control poor people.
PCAP won't stand for it!
************************************************************************
2. Squatting Tour & Affordable Housing Action
Sunday June 15th, 2003
3pm - Meet at Inverlea Park: One block East of Water St. & Parkhill Rd. "Give it or Guard it" Housing Campaign and Squatting Free food; child-friendly; peaceful event; all welcome. About the "Give it or Guard it" SQUATTING TOUR & Campaign: Over the next few months, PCAP will be publicly identifying buildings which are empty in Peterborough and could be used for AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
Using the principle of "Give it or Guard it", PCAP will publicly announce the locations of empty building which they plan to take over for affordable housing. The property owners and police then can choose to "guard it" (ie. surround the building and prevent it from being used for housing), or "give it" up to those seeking shelter. The purpose of this strategy is to draw attention to the empty buildings in town that could be used for affordable housing.
At some point, one of these buildings will be taken over by community members for housing.
WHY THIS ACTION?
The shelters are overflowing. Eviction rates have skyrocketed. Thousands on a 5 year waiting list for affordable housing. The governments have refused to act.
We can't wait any longer. If they won't build it, we will take it! AFFORDABLE HOUSING NOW!
Join us on the following dates for the Squatting Tour:
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2003 Time & Location TBA
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2003 Time & Location TBA
************************************************************************
The Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) is a group dedicated to political struggle against an economic system that maintains and profits from the inequality, indignity and needless suffering of poverty. PCAP organizes actions to support and protect low income persons or groups who are being oppressed. PCAP helps people deal with social assistance claims, housing issues, police harassment, squatters^Ò rights and poor-bashing. If you need assistance or want to get involved, call PCAP.
Office: 393 Water St. Unit 17 Peterborough K9H 3L7 Office Open Daily. Call for details: (705) 749-9694
1. Squeegee Action and No-Poorbashing Leafletting: Saturday May 31
2. Squatting Tour & Affordable Housing Action: Sunday June 15th
****************************
1. Squeegee Action & No-Poorbashing Leafletting Saturday May 31st @ Ptbo Square (George & Simcoe St)
PCAP invites you to squeegee downtown and/or hand out leaflets against poorbashing.
-Support the rights of panhandlers
-Tell the DBIA to stop poor-bashing
-Confront police harassment of poor people
This is a legal action. Participate or observe. All welcome.
Tell the DBIA to Stop Poor-bashing!
The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has recently launched an anti-panhandling campaign to discourage local residents from giving money to panhandlers. Instead, residents are encouraged to give panhandlers 50¢ coupons which can be redeemed at local businesses for food and clothing. To promote this campaign, the DBIA is using poor-bashing rhetoric to convince the public that panhandlers spend their money on booze & drugs.
Not only are these claims false (the majority of panhandlers use the money for basic survival - food and shelter) but the DBIA is taking away panhandlers' rights to manage their own money.
The DBIA anti-panhandling campaign is just another attempt to demonize, humilate and control poor people.
PCAP won't stand for it!
************************************************************************
2. Squatting Tour & Affordable Housing Action
Sunday June 15th, 2003
3pm - Meet at Inverlea Park: One block East of Water St. & Parkhill Rd. "Give it or Guard it" Housing Campaign and Squatting Free food; child-friendly; peaceful event; all welcome. About the "Give it or Guard it" SQUATTING TOUR & Campaign: Over the next few months, PCAP will be publicly identifying buildings which are empty in Peterborough and could be used for AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
Using the principle of "Give it or Guard it", PCAP will publicly announce the locations of empty building which they plan to take over for affordable housing. The property owners and police then can choose to "guard it" (ie. surround the building and prevent it from being used for housing), or "give it" up to those seeking shelter. The purpose of this strategy is to draw attention to the empty buildings in town that could be used for affordable housing.
At some point, one of these buildings will be taken over by community members for housing.
WHY THIS ACTION?
The shelters are overflowing. Eviction rates have skyrocketed. Thousands on a 5 year waiting list for affordable housing. The governments have refused to act.
We can't wait any longer. If they won't build it, we will take it! AFFORDABLE HOUSING NOW!
Join us on the following dates for the Squatting Tour:
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2003 Time & Location TBA
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2003 Time & Location TBA
************************************************************************
The Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) is a group dedicated to political struggle against an economic system that maintains and profits from the inequality, indignity and needless suffering of poverty. PCAP organizes actions to support and protect low income persons or groups who are being oppressed. PCAP helps people deal with social assistance claims, housing issues, police harassment, squatters^Ò rights and poor-bashing. If you need assistance or want to get involved, call PCAP.
Office: 393 Water St. Unit 17 Peterborough K9H 3L7 Office Open Daily. Call for details: (705) 749-9694
Saturday, May 3, 2003
May Day Focuses on Housing in Peterborough
by Paul Bocking (IWW & PCAP)
On May Day, the Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) joined together for the kick-off of a local direct-action campaign for affordable housing in Peterborough, Ontario. Over four months, PCAP will publicly visit abandoned buildings throughout the city which could be opened up for housing. One of these will be squatted. A few dozen people (including members of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, based in Toronto) gathered on an overcast day in Confederation Park in downtown Peterborough. Speakers discussed housing issues, May Day and the labour movement, along with the agenda for private control of public space led by the downtown business association.
Leaving the park, we marched onto the street, past the police station on the way to our destination, an extensive mansion; empty for two years after being sold by a centralizing university for which it formerly served as residences, classrooms and offices, to a private owner. While admitting that the building could easily serve as low cost housing, the owner is on the public record for stating, "It is too beautiful a home to convert into affordable apartments". A mindset which ensures that housing will not be a priority of the State, let alone private business, unless it is forced onto the table. After reading our banners, drivers honked at us as they drove past us in a lane of the three lane one-way road we kept partially open.
Reaching the house, PCAP, OCAP and IWW members spoke while a PCAP member bravely scaled a wall and unfolded a large PCAP banner off of the building's second floor balcony. A couple of interested neighbours came over and we discovered that several doors were open, allowing us to tour the expansive structure. Not intending to squat the building despite its excellent condition, we later headed out, to regroup at a music event that night featuring folk, funk and punk acts.
Amazingly we experienced no police interference, our main opposition coming from social agencies, represented by the muncipal housing chairman, who denounced 'breaking into private property' the next day, "I don't agree with their actions. There are lots of groups out there working hard to offer housing." Actions like this one, demonstrate the importance of PCAP and similar groups in providing a way for youth, unemployed and low income workers to speak for themselves and force change on a system which ignores or suppresses them.
The Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty is a member of the Ontario Common Front.
On May Day, the Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) joined together for the kick-off of a local direct-action campaign for affordable housing in Peterborough, Ontario. Over four months, PCAP will publicly visit abandoned buildings throughout the city which could be opened up for housing. One of these will be squatted. A few dozen people (including members of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, based in Toronto) gathered on an overcast day in Confederation Park in downtown Peterborough. Speakers discussed housing issues, May Day and the labour movement, along with the agenda for private control of public space led by the downtown business association.
Leaving the park, we marched onto the street, past the police station on the way to our destination, an extensive mansion; empty for two years after being sold by a centralizing university for which it formerly served as residences, classrooms and offices, to a private owner. While admitting that the building could easily serve as low cost housing, the owner is on the public record for stating, "It is too beautiful a home to convert into affordable apartments". A mindset which ensures that housing will not be a priority of the State, let alone private business, unless it is forced onto the table. After reading our banners, drivers honked at us as they drove past us in a lane of the three lane one-way road we kept partially open.
Reaching the house, PCAP, OCAP and IWW members spoke while a PCAP member bravely scaled a wall and unfolded a large PCAP banner off of the building's second floor balcony. A couple of interested neighbours came over and we discovered that several doors were open, allowing us to tour the expansive structure. Not intending to squat the building despite its excellent condition, we later headed out, to regroup at a music event that night featuring folk, funk and punk acts.
Amazingly we experienced no police interference, our main opposition coming from social agencies, represented by the muncipal housing chairman, who denounced 'breaking into private property' the next day, "I don't agree with their actions. There are lots of groups out there working hard to offer housing." Actions like this one, demonstrate the importance of PCAP and similar groups in providing a way for youth, unemployed and low income workers to speak for themselves and force change on a system which ignores or suppresses them.
The Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty is a member of the Ontario Common Front.
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