4 - Friday, February 2, 1990 - North Shore News NV apartment tenants stage landlord protest A SYMBOLIC “‘Sniffy the landlord rat’? made an appear- ance in Vancouver streets Monday as North Vancouver City Ald. Bill Bell, acting the pied piper for disgruntled local renters, led a group of Centennial Manor tenants to the downtown office doorstep of one of the apartment build- ing’s owners. In December, tenants of the North Vancouver City apartment received rental increase notices of 40 to 58 per cent. The new rental rates kick in April 1. In January, apartment owners offered rebates to tenants. But ac- cording to Annette Royce, a Cen- tennial tenant, the offer was re- jected. And now some tenants are considering refusing to pay in- creased rents. But Royce, 52, was not among those who took their case to the streets. “1 don’t believe in picketing,”’ she said. ‘‘I believe in negotiating."’ Royce brings home $750 a month. She has lived at the Cen- tennial for 34% years. Her new rental rate would have her paying $605 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Right now she pays $405. “I was told by somebody, ‘If you don’t like it, go back to Quebec.” But she said, ‘‘Van- couver is my country too.”” The tenant does not blame the building’s owners for the rental- rate crunch. ‘‘It’s the high interest and taxes. If everybody would follow the 10 commandments, sweetheart, we wouldn’t be in this predicamen:. We're ali brothers By MICHAEL BECKER News Reporter and sisters. We’re all here to help each other. If somebody was to go hungry, I'd take the damn food from my mouth,’ Royce said. She rejects rent centrol as a solution because ‘‘it’s bad for the economy,’’ and instead advocates a system of rent review. **People shouldn’t pay more than 30 per cent of their income,”’ Royce said. Meanwhile, during the protest gathering, a person dressed as a rat bullied a ‘‘little old lady’’ unable to pay her rent. But said Bell, ‘‘There will be no anima! rights activists to spare the life of this rodent. The only one who will be able to save him for himself is the provincial govern- ment by establishing rent review and a rentalsman's office.”’ . The picketers, about 50 throughout the day, packed it in when it began to snow in the afternoon. According to Bell, North Van- couver City council refused Mon- day to pass a motion supported by him and Ald. Stella Jo Dean ask- ing the Centennial Manor landlord to appear before council to explain the rationale for the rent hikes. Look at what's new for 1990! We're the one's with it ALL!! Announces The only Comedy Stop on the North Shore au pOON Ey NIGHTs € In the past, building co-owner, Larry Jacobson, has argued that the rent increase is necessary to cover the $2.4 million purchase of the apartment building. He was not available for comment this week. 400 Jones’ anoraks and ski shells! This is an unbelievable price for these sure-gripping famous skis! 500 pairs to clear. Don’t miss this opportunity! TAGIST TAI CHI BEGINNERS CLASSES NORTH VANCOUVER Join in this unique exercise form and experience greater health and relaxation. Starting Feb. 14, 1990 - 7-9 pm. at North Lonsdale United Church 3380 Lonsdale Ave. For Pre-registration phone : 681-6609 a THE TAOIST TA! CHI SOCIETY OF CANADA — VANCOUVER 220 - 440 West Hastings, Vancouver, B.C. A non-profit Organization 0° Liquidation! One low price! ! Metal Edge Oe OFF Kneiss] Red Stars and Ah Vi White Stars! Trak T-6200 9. non-wax! Extraordinary $429°7 price! 200 to 215 only. G, comicte 5 Appearing Wednesday Nights 2 0 Some of Vancouver’s best in bee Live Stand-up Comedy Punchline Style 0 Starting January 17th 1990 OFF ics (94599 Boots, Poles & Bindings high quality Telemark! X-C package! Packsountry Reg. $297-30- 10g =. Seating - 8pm ‘Above Lonsdale Quay Market — Showtime - 9pm 986-6111 BLINDS, BEDSPREADS AND DRAPERY HARDWARE We’re moving to serve you Better! Hiking Boots Trail Tech ‘Grande Portage’ J Reg.S169-95- j Tomorrow oni at. Feb. 2 Oh OFF ALL SWEATERS! ALL KNICKERS! All’ Good knicker selection! — si evallacict | Hurry for sweaters. Almost gone! — Gloves! DY Gordini guaranteed towest prices! {not exactly as shown) Other sale models $3999 to $9999