The past few weeks have been unprecedented for all of us here at FRPO. Both rental property owners and residents have been affected by the global coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing shutdown.

I would like to start off by thanking the front line staff and operations teams who are working tirelessly to ensure their residents are being kept healthy and safe by following rigorous cleaning and sanitizing regiments in order to limit the spread of the virus.

Property owners and managers across Ontario have made arrangements with residents to ensure they have secure housing as most Canadians continue to stay home. They are keeping their residents informed as soon as new information becomes available during this ever-changing situation. Reminding and sharing best practices like social distancing in elevators, frequent hand washing etc. There’s also virtual contests going on in many buildings encouraging residents to stay social and engaged from their rental units! They have also done an outstanding job at keeping their front line staff protected by providing them with the tools they need to maintain a healthy work environment.

Yesterday, a member shared with me that a resident manager and assistant manager at a building in Guelph went door to door checking in on elderly and vulnerable residents to see if they needed any grocery items. These two team members then took a shopping trip and delivered the items to their residents in a safe manner. Thank you, these are the kind of efforts in our communities that will help us get through this together!

I have also heard stories of residents, showing amazing support and appreciation for our front-line health-care workers, cheering them on from their balconies a nightly ritual at properties across the Province.

All in all, it’s been uplifting and gratifying to see how rental housing providers and residents are coming together to ensure they get through the crisis as partners. We expect this type of teamwork to continue in the weeks to come.

In conclusion, I would like to wish you all a Happy Passover and Easter! Although these holidays will be like no other in recent memory, let us remember the message of hope. Please continue to stay healthy and safe.