MONTREAL- Pierino Di Tonno, 82, came to the rental board armed with support from housing activists and a lawyer.
The internationally recognized photographer – credited with taking photos of big names including Sophia Loren and Charlie Chaplin – recently received an eviction notice from his landlord.
Owners of Milano’s Grocery below Di Tonno’s apartment also own the residential building.
The notice claims they want to subdivide the Little Italy property, where Di Tonno has lived for almost 40 years.
In order to get their notice of eviction approved, owners need to show a permit and their architectural plans.
READ MORE: Community rallies behind 82-year-old faced with eviction
Housing activists are calling for changes to the law.
“These are our laws. They are outdated and need to be reformed,” housing activist Martin Blanchard said.
A proposed bill by Québec Solidaire, Bill 429, would force landlords who evict elderly tenants to find them a new place within five kilometres of their previous home.
Di Tonno’s supporters want the eviction blocked.
The former photographer recently left the hospital where he was being treated for stomach cancer.
It could take several weeks for the rental board to make its decision in his case.
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