Tenants who live in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) buildings could soon be facing a 22-per cent increase in their laundry costs if a proposed recommendation is approved Feb. 9.
The planned change would see the price of using washing machines and dryers rise 25 cents to $1.50 and $1.25, respectively. The organization would like to see the changes implemented by March 1, 2012.
Almost half of the tenants who live in OCH buildings rely on subsidies to pay their rent. There are 17 OCH buildings located in Centretown.
Jo-Anne Poirier, the chief executive officer of OCH, said the organization is “very sensitive to how increased rates can affect those who rely on subsidized housing.”
But Poirier said the organization has not included any recommendations in the proposal to help those who may not be able to afford the increased price.
When the idea of an increased laundry cost was introduced to various tenant groups, many told the OCH management they were surprised an increase had not already been implemented, said Poirier.
“The tenants do understand why this has to happen,” she said.
OCH came to decide on the price increase after looking at the cost of doing laundry at other facilities, such as Nepean Housing and independent laundromats, said Poirier.
“We found we were way below market price,” she said.
This increase will keep OCH laundry facilities competitive in a “positive way” while allowing the organization to cover increased hydro and water costs, she said.
OCH currently receives $640,000 annually from Coinamatic, the company that owns, operates and maintains all the machines. OCH could stand to gain an additional $142,000 in annual revenue if this price increase is approved.
The OCH board will vote on this at its monthly meeting Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at 39 Auriga Drive.