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Friends of the Cawthra Bush & Greater Mississauga Area
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Opening comments - more at end. Feb. 22, 1990 Toronto Star - Page - W6 Woman facing eviction says compromise deal in city's best interest By Mike Funston Mississauga's cat lady, Lois Stevens, says she's prepared to spend $25,000 to prevent being evicted from city property along with 40 of her feline friends. That's how much she estimates it will cost her in legal fees to fight the municipality in court. Stevens says she has already shelled out $6,000 to a lawyer who will represent her when a judge hears the case in Peel District Court. The case was to have been heard Monday but it's likely a new date will be set because of a back-log of cases. But she hopes it doesn't come to that. "I understand the lawyers are trying to work out some kind of a compromise deal that will allow me to stay, but I don't know the details," Stevens says. "It would be in the city's best interest not to let this go to court because it's going to cost them a lot more money than me. Maybe they'll make me wait until the 11th hour before they relent." Citing violations of a city bylaw that forbids residents from keeping more than four pets in a home, and the deteriorating condition of the 75-year-old house, the city ordered her to leave on Oct. 31. But Stevens stayed, forcing the city to seek a court order for her eviction from the Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. house. For years, she has kept a shelter for abused and abandoned cats in a backyard shed. The house is on the former Bird estate, purchased by the city as a site for future botanical gardens, but the project is still two or three years away from development. Stevens wants to remain in the house with her cats until the city needs to demolish the house to make way for the gardens. She has lived here under a monthly tenancy agreement since 1983. In terms of an out-of-court settlement, "I can suggest something dramatic is about to happen," says her lawyer, Paul Reinhardt. "My approach has been to work something out that's acceptable to both parties." However, city officials haven't given any firm indication they're prepared to accept a compromise," Reinhardt says. Three days of court time has been set aside for the case. The city's lawyer was unavailable for comment. Stevens has already started to dismantle the shelter and is trying to find homes for the cats sheltered there now. PHOTO (By MICHAEL STUPARYK); of Lois Stevens holding a cat in front of the cattery CAPTION; FIGHTING TO STAY: Lois Stevens says she's prepared to go ahead with her legal fight with Mississauga to remain in the 75-year-old house where she has operated a cat shelter for a number of years. The case is expected to be heard in court Monday. PLEEASSE SIGN OUR PETITION It will make a difference! Home Page - Main Table of Contents - Back up a page - Back to Top [COMMENTS BY DON B. - ] |
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