92-year-old evicted Toronto man fighting for damages

Isidoro Ventullo, a 92-year-old resident of Toronto's Little Italy, is fighting for compensation after his eviction last summer. Ventullo, who lived in his apartment for two decades, claims he was unlawfully removed when his landlord stated an intention to move in. A year later, the building containing his former residence is on the market for more than $2.2 million.

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We knew it was an illegal eviction back then and today we have more evidence, because this property is being put up for sale for $2.275 million.

NDP MPP Jessica Bell, who represents the University-Rosedale riding, argues that the building's sale price is further evidence of an illegal eviction. "We knew it was an illegal eviction back then and today we have more evidence, because this property is being put up for sale for $2.275 million," Bell stated.

Ventullo's niece, Luisa Tedesco, highlighted the difficulties her uncle faced during the Landlord and Tenant Board process. She noted that virtual hearings and language barriers complicated his ability to present his case effectively. "He has no documentation, it’s difficult for him to explain his story sequentially, English is not his first language," Tedesco said.

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He has no documentation, it’s difficult for him to explain his story sequentially, English is not his first language. So I think there was a lot of things that went against my uncle for those reasons.

Bell plans to push for legislative changes when the legislature reconvenes in the fall, aiming to strengthen tenants' rights. She criticized the current system, stating, "Tenants have to fight back with their hands tied behind their backs because the laws are weak, enforcement is poor and the fines are minuscule."

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Tenants have to fight back with their hands tied behind their backs because the laws are weak, enforcement is poor and the fines are minuscule.

Ventullo is seeking nearly $50,000 in compensation at the Landlord and Tenant Board for his ordeal, which included the loss of personal possessions. However, Spencer Toole, a lawyer for the building's owner, George Gemelo, disputed the claim of an illegal eviction, stating it "does not respect the decisions of the Landlord and Tenant Board or the Divisional Court."

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the suggestion that the eviction of Mr. Ventullo was “illegal” does not respect the decisions of the Landlord and Tenant Board or the Divisional Court.