Members of the Freedom Convoy-affiliated group remain at an Ottawa church the day after a historic building owner was evicted for unpaid rent.
The bailiff who issued the eviction notice to the door of St Brigid's Church in Lower Town told CTV News Ottawa that those who refused to leave the church were "crouching" and had to leave. But those still in church remained defiant on Friday afternoon.
"They have no legal authority to evict us. It is our understanding and has been confirmed with our legal team," said William of United People of Canada. Mr. Comer told reporters outside the church. "I will never leave this property as long as I have a valid and legal lease." Bailiff Services Bailiffs have delivered a "Tenant Cancellation Notice" notice to St. Brigid's Church, St. Patrick Street. The notice stated that the landlord had terminated United's occupation of his People of Canada. under the Commercial Leasing Act.
The notice, effective Wednesday, August 17, 2022, states that the landlord has suspended his lease as a result of "deferred rent payments of $10,000" and "failure to provide proof of liability insurance." is said to have ended. $5 million minimum. Another notice on the door said the tenant was in violation of Ontario heritage laws and was unable to obtain the necessary permits for construction under the Ontario Building Code.
"Our lease is valid and has not been terminated," said Comer, United Against the Church, claiming the People of Canada lease has a notice period for termination. Did.
Dave of the Court Enforcement Service was at church on Friday while Ottawa Law Enforcement issued tickets for parking violations along St. Patrick Street. Art on the adjoining grounds owned by the same owner of the church he has changed locks on the rectory building and garage.
Ottawa's historic church has been on the market for over a year, with an asking price of $5.9 million.
When CTV News Ottawa's Jeremy Sharon asked Comer if United People of Canada could show proof of rent payment, Comer said: We are investigating now.
On Thursday, the United People of Canada said the attempt to "illegally evict" the group from the historic church was in retaliation for complaints.
On Friday, Komer claimed the group was still buying St. Brigid's Church.
"The property owner is trying to stop doing business with us in violation of Ontario human rights law," Comer said. “Therefore, we have raised our concerns under the Ontario Human Rights Act and are strictly following the attempted unjust evictions here. I understand you don't want to make a deal."
"There's a lot of discrimination going on in the neighborhood," Comer said, citing backlash from Lower Town residents.
"Some people say, 'St. Brigid is for the community, not for the Convoy.' People come here to participate in events, volunteer and things like that, and everyone in the community is welcome.
To a lot of discrimination.People They are actually coming here against us.”
In July, the United Peoples of Canada moved to St. Brigid's Church on St. Patrick Street, with plans to purchase the church as an "embassy." said there is A red banner hangs in front of the church.
The group's largest financial backer is Tony Cuzzocrea, president of Planmar Financial Corp., based in London, Ontario.
From Jeremie Charron of CTV News Ottawa with files