We Will Go Home Across the Mountains

Land of the Bear and
Land of the Eagle.
Land that gave us birth
And blessing,
Land that pulled us
Ever homeward.
We will go home across the mountains,
We will go home,
We will go home,
We will go home.

We will go home across the mountains,
We will go home
Hear our singing, hear our longing,
We will go home across the mountains.

It's time our journey comes to an end. In February, my sons Kael and Marik passed away. My beautiful twin boys. My mother-in-law offered us to come across the country to spend some time with her and her husband, to get away from thoughts of sorrow. We packed up our belongings and travelled to beautiful British Columbia. For 2 1/2 wonderful months we have enjoyed the gorgeous views of mountains and lakes that have surrounded us. Peaceful trips to the beach, jamming with a blues band at the local lounge, spending time with family that is rarely seen (due to the geographical distance between us). However, time has stopped and reminded us that we must go back 'across the mountains' to where I am a prairie girl at heart.

The reason for coming out here might not be understood by all, but it was a time of grief and sorrow for my family. We needed some family support and came out here to relax, to cope and to heal. However, our time has been cut short due to an unforeseen circumstance in which the Landlord/Landlady has decided they are broke and will ask my in-laws for more money. Let's go back a little bit.

Shortly after we arrived here, the Landlord decided that they were going to remortgage the house where we've been staying. Okay, it happens. However, they also decided that they were going to increase the rent by 9%. That is illegal. Not just illegal, but a stupidly desperate attempt at getting more money into their own pockets. After a much 'in depth' conversation about what to do, my husband jumped onto the computer and researched the tenancy laws of BC. They do not differ much from home (Manitoba). There is only a 3% increase a year allowed. My in-laws, not wanting to put up a fight and lose the place, but to not pay an illegal increase, settled on paying 4% instead. The Landlord agreed and off they sulked to find another way to get a hold of money out of their loyal tenants. Which brings us to now.

Yesterday (June 30, 2010), the Landlord found a way to get more money from my in-laws. They chose to take my husband, son and I into consideration and wanted to charge half a month's rent for us staying here. Now, with a 4% rent increase already, that would make the total come to $1404.00. Does that make sense? Of course not. So they went with half of that, sending the total to only $1186 a month. ONLY?!?!? Oh, and if they didn't pay that, they would be evicted. What are these people thinking? Well, my wonderful hubby jumped back onto the computer and actually called and spoke with somebody at the Tenancy Board. They told him that it was not right, they could not ask for that money because we are under the 'guest' part of the agreement (in the Tenancy Act). Not only that, but they have no right to evict people under that pretense (I say 'pretense', because they have no proof that they can do what they're doing). So, my father-in-law (ever the pussy cat when it comes to confrontation), agreed to pay the amount. My mother-in-law, however (ever the tigress when it comes to protecting her family), blatantly said 'no'. She would rather move. Find a place for all of us to stay in. My husband and I took a drive and decided to think through the situation that our presence had demanded of them. Either be out a lot more money a month (and a considerable amount of money), or have them leave their home, where their dog can run free in the yard and where they can enjoy wonderful evenings in the garden. The moment came when we realized, it's time to go home. That way, they wouldn't have to pay anything more and they wouldn't have to leave. We pulled into a gas station and I phoned my dad in Manitoba, explained things to him, he agreed that we could go back there until we saved up enough money for our own place (they own their house and don't have to worry about rent increases or anything to do with stupidity and hassle that comes with renting).

And that leaves us with where we are now. Where I am now. Writing a blog about going home and the idiocy of Landlords/ladies, contemplating how we're going to get my son's 100 lb. bed back across the country, and where we're going to stay along the way. At least my in-laws get to keep their house.

But what will their Landlord ask of them next? The 'Dog Tax'?



Mel.