Ford won’t pause commercial evictions but urges landlords to show leniency

Closure of non-essential businesses has many struggling to pay bills

TORONTO—Premier Doug Ford indicated Friday he won’t be putting a freeze on commercial evictions, but pleaded with “vicious” landlords to be flexible with business tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ontario has effectively banned residential evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many business groups and opposition parties have been calling on the province to do the same for commercial tenants.

Closures of many businesses across the province deemed non-essential during the pandemic have meant that they are struggling to pay bills, including rent. A federal-provincial rent relief program has been announced but has not yet taken effect, and some businesses have said their landlords won’t participate.

Calls for a moratorium on commercial evictions grew louder as Saturday approached — the day when landlords can change the locks on businesses for non-payment of May’s rent.

But Ford said there could be legal implications if the government wades into long-term lease contracts.

“I’m pleading with landlords, be flexible,” Ford said. “You know what drives me crazy? I can’t stand these vicious landlords. They are. You’ve got to protect the little guy all the time. They’re struggling.

“I just wish they could hang in there for a couple of months. It’s not the end of the world. To all the big landlords out there — have a heart.”

The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance will see Ottawa and the provinces give forgivable loans to commercial property owners to cover 50 per cent of rent for eligible small businesses, with the tenant covering 25 per cent.

“If the tenant moves out, what does the landlord think, they’re going to have an army of people wanting to move in?” Ford said.

“They’re going to sit there vacant, so if I were them, I’d take 75 per cent. I think that’s a pretty good deal for landlords. You either get 75 per cent or you get zero.”

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has called for changes to the rent relief program so more businesses qualify, and has also urged eviction protection for commercial tenants. Restaurants Canada has called for the same protection for commercial tenants.