ONTARIO
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE
DIVISIONAL COURT
a.c.j.s.c. cunningham, carnwath and bellamy jj.
B E T W E E N:
KATHRYN KING-WINTON
Tenant/Appellant
- and -
DOVERHOLD INVESTMENTS LTD.
Landlord/Respondent
Tracy Heffernan, for the Tenant/Appellant
Aaron Rousseau, for the Landlord/ Respondent
HEARD at Toronto: November 13, 2008
A.C.J.S.C. CUNNINGHAM: (Orally)
1This case raises an issue of procedural fairness. Without reciting the facts, suffice to say that the tenant has never had a hearing on the matters at issue. She, albeit wrongly, believed the hearing was to be held September 28th, 2007. In fact, the notice of hearing showed the date to be September 21st. Whether the tenant actually received a notice is not seriously an issue. The tribunal Member found she did, based upon the Board’s internal documentation.
2The fact is, for whatever reason, the tenant thought the date was September 28th. Perhaps that resulted from discussions held on August 24th at the Board before Member Borgon, some of which, perhaps not all, were transcribed. Clearly on August 24th, the issue was the date to which the hearing would be adjourned. Even in its own documentation (see page 50 of the Appeal Book), there is a notation of the new date being September 28th and then a scratching out of that, “8” to a “1”. Perhaps the date of August 28th, the date of the notice to her, confused her. The reality is the tenant has never had an opportunity to be heard. We are of the view she is entitled to a hearing.
3Being reasonably able to participate in the proceeding must be interpreted broadly, natural justice requires no less. The tenant has never delayed in pursuing her remedies.
4The appeal is allowed. The matter will be referred back to a different Member for hearing.
COSTS
5This is not a case for costs.
A.C.J.S.C. CUNNINGHAM
CARNWATH J.
BELLAMY J.
Date of Reasons for Judgment: November 13, 2008
Date of Release: November 17, 2008
COURT FILE NO.: 554/07
DATE: 20081113
ONTARIO
SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE
DIVISIONAL COURT
a.c.j.s.c. cunningham, carnwath and bellamy jj.
B E T W E E N:
KATHRYN KING-WINTON
Tenant/Appellant
- and -
DOVERHOLD INVESTMENTS LTD.
Landlord/Respondent
ORAL REASONS FOR JUDGMENT
A.C.J.S.C. CUNNINGHAM
Date of Reasons for Judgment: November 13, 2008
Date of Release: November 17, 2008