November 2024
Condominium and high-rise living can present challenges unique to those who reside in single-family homes. One matter before Justice Paul Perell was described as a “three ring clown circus” and “truth being stranger than fiction”.
The owner of a unit in TSCC 2581 exhibited “unacceptable behaviour” resulting from a “serious long-standing substance abuse illness.” Others reported his actions as “inappropriate, inebriated, disorderly, aggressive, rude, profane or threatening.” The owner was reported as having shouted at the concierge, shattering the front desk Plexiglas shield and throwing the desk phone at the security computer. He was charged criminally with assault and destruction of property.
The corporation took him to court and obtained a compliance order requiring that he behave himself, not disturb residents in the building and stay away from management employees. He was required to pay $35,000 in costs.
The order appeared to have no effect. The corporation sought to have him evicted and force him to sell his unit, with building security describing him as a “potential homicidal threat”. His lawyer wanted to negotiate a settlement allowing him to move out and rent his unit.
The judge refused to order that his unit be sold. He was ordered to vacate and not return to the building. He is unable to reside in the unit without the consent of TSCC 2581 earlier than December 2025 (two years from the decision). Dealings with TSCC 2581 must be through his lawyer.
