By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

As the critical lease renewal period approaches in Quebec, a series of workshops aimed at empowering tenants with essential knowledge of their rights and obligations will be held in Stanstead and Magog this January. Organized by the Chantier Habitation’s Info-Logement committee, these free sessions aim to address the challenges posed by the ongoing housing crisis, which has left many residents struggling to find stable and affordable housing.

“This year, we’re thrilled to offer a bilingual workshop in Stanstead for the first time,” said Amélie Hudon, community development officer at the Corporation de Développement Communautaire (CDC) Memphrémagog and a key member of the organizing committee. Hudon explained in a recent interview that Stanstead’s workshop, scheduled for Jan. 18 at the community room of the Stanstead Arena, marks a significant step in making these sessions more accessible to the region’s English-speaking population.

Addressing a persistent housing crisis

Hudon emphasized the urgent need for these workshops in light of the ongoing housing crisis. “We don’t have any local organizations specifically defending tenant rights, so we asked ourselves what we could do to help,” she said. “Many tenants, and even landlords, don’t fully understand their rights and obligations, which can lead to misunderstandings and hardships.”

She also highlighted the broader challenges faced by tenants in the Memphrémagog region. “We have very few affordable housing options and no non-profit housing in the area,” Hudon noted. “This makes it extremely difficult for people, especially as rents and housing prices continue to rise.”

Recent statistics from the Chantier Habitation provided by Hudon illustrate the severity of the problem. The median monthly rent in the Memphrémagog region in summer 2023 was $1,550. A household would need to earn at least $62,000 annually to maintain a housing cost ratio of 30 per cent. The vacancy rate in Magog was only 1.3 per cent, with a shocking 0 per cent availability for three-bedroom units and just 1 per cent for two-bedroom units. For comparison, a balanced vacancy rate is considered to be 3 per cent.

In addition to these systemic issues, Hudon highlighted the growing problem of discrimination in the rental market. “We are observing all kinds of discrimination,” she said, emphasizing the need for tenants to be equipped with information and tools to protect their rights.

New bilingual focus

The inclusion of a bilingual workshop in Stanstead reflects a growing effort to better serve the region’s English-speaking community. “We have many English-speaking residents in the Memphrémagog area, and it’s important for us to provide this information in their preferred language,” Hudon said. While the workshops in Magog on Jan. 23 and 25 will be conducted in French, the Jan. 18 session will offer bilingual content to ensure broader accessibility.

This focus on inclusion also extends to the resources provided. Participants will receive a copy of the Tenant’s Guide, which Hudon described as easy to read and packed with useful information. An English version of the guide will be available, both in print at the workshops and online for wider access.

Hudon acknowledged that hosting a bilingual session presented challenges for the organizing team. “We’re not perfect in English, but we’re working on improving our skills,” she said with a laugh. “It’s important for us to reach out to everyone, and this is a step in the right direction.”

Practical support for tenants

Attendees can expect practical advice on a range of issues, from understanding their legal rights to handling disputes with landlords. “Sometimes, even landlords don’t fully know their obligations,” Hudon explained. “These workshops will help tenants understand what they can ask for and what they can refuse.”

Hudon also pointed out that the workshops aim to address not just immediate concerns but also long-term empowerment. “We want to give tenants tools they can use in the future,” she said. A question-and-answer session will follow each workshop, allowing participants to bring up specific issues they face.

The workshops also align with broader community efforts led by the Info-Logement committee. Hudon noted that the committee, which includes the CDC, other community organizations, municipalities, and health authorities like the CIUSSS, aims to combat the housing crisis through education and advocacy. The committee has also helped form a tenants’ committee to offer mutual support and amplify tenants’ voices. “This group is currently recruiting and represents a great way for tenants to equip themselves and build solidarity,” Hudon said.

Building a stronger community

The workshops are part of a broader effort by the Info-Logement committee to address housing challenges in the region. Last year, they led to the formation of a tenant committee focused on mutual aid and advocacy. This group is currently recruiting new members and serves as a valuable resource for the community.

Looking ahead, Hudon shared plans to further publicize the CDC’s website and other resources for tenants. However, she stressed that more systemic changes are needed to address the region’s housing crisis. “We need more affordable housing options and greater support for tenants,” she said.

Workshop details

• Stanstead: Jan. 18, 1–2:30 p.m., community room of the Stanstead Arena (27 Rue Pat Burns)
• Magog: Jan. 23, 1–2:30 p.m., Espace culturel de Magog (90 St-David, under the library)
  Jan. 25, 1–2:30 p.m., Magog Community Centre (95 Merry Nord, Room 117)

Registration is recommended but not mandatory. Interested participants can visit the CDC Memphrémagog’s website or call 819-843-3007, ext. 226, for more information.

Hudon’s closing message was clear: “Knowledge is power. We hope these workshops will empower tenants to make informed decisions and stand up for their rights.”