15 Brookbanks

I initially posted a review one year ago rating this building a 3/10. I am updating it now as the living experience for tenants continues to decline. I would now rate this building a 2/10.

Cons:
- Bedbugs continue to be a problem. In addition, tenants are now reporting cockroaches.
- Above Guideline Rent Increases. 5 and 15 Brookbanks have been subject to high number of AGIs as documented and reported by CBC.
- Construction. There is always major construction going on. We have not had a break from drilling and jackhammering. Outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter. There is no reprieve. Once one project wraps up, another one starts. We are living in a constant construction zone.
- Laundry room is expensive, machines are always out of service and Coinamatic is slow to fix machines.
- Cleanliness. The building used to be in top notch shape, but now carpets are rarely vacuumed, light bulbs are out for weeks, work orders are slow to be actioned, elevators and common areas are filthy. There used to be pride in living in Brookbanks, but not anymore.
- ACs. Building is so old that it does not accommodate air conditioners. Tenants have to apply for approval to use an AC. Management will approve one AC per unit and it must be in the living room.
- Water outages occur frequently, many planned but several without notice. We have had no hot water approximately six times since June without notice.
- Many tenants do not leash their dogs and do not pick up after them. It gives all dog owners a bad name. Management does not enforce leashing. They only send a rude letter to all tenants and do not hold any specific tenants accountable. This is disrespectful to tenants who are scared of dogs or have allergies.
- Building offers a gazebo and BBQ area, but propane tanks are often empty and garbage cans are overflowing.
- The third party hydro company, Wyse Meter, is very expensive. New tenants pay exorbitant rent plus hydro. The building wants to charge what luxury buildings or condos charge, but the building is simply too old and lacks amenities.
- Tenants are increasingly frustrated with their living conditions and poor quality tenant service. Tenants of 5 and 15 are in the process of forming a tenant's association.
- Elevators are unreliable. We often only have one working elevator. When we have two working, one can regularly be found on service for contractors completing the never-ending construction or one of the staff for their convenience.
- Many of the staff live in the properties and show no pride or desire to better their living conditions. They walk past burnt out light bulbs or ride in dirty elevators, yet do nothing about it. It's frustrating as a tenant to witness.
- There have been ongoing issues with the doors to P1 and P2. At different times, the doors have been broken and accessible without a fob for many, many weeks at a time.
- This building has been "transitioning to smoke free living" for years now, but the smell of tobacco and cannabis floods into the building at all hours of the day and night. There is little that staff can do to stop it.
- Poor communication. Communication style and approach from management is often curt, condescending and blaming. A change in style and approach would go a long way in fostering a healthy landlord/tenant relationship and would help rebuild trust with Realstar.

Pros:
- Large, spacious units.
- Neighbourhood is beautiful. Excellent schools, beautiful parks, walking trails.
- Tenants are kind and friendly. A truly wonderful community.
- Roberto works so hard to make this a wonderful community. He deserves to be recognized for his dedication and professionalism. He is one of the only Realstar employees at this location that demonstrates a true care and concern for the tenants.

This building continues to decline and overall I would not recommend living here.

1 year ago (April 2022) I paid $1700, all utilities included plus $75 for parking. For a 2 bed and 1.5 bath.

Now they're charging $2950 plus hydro for the same unit. They describe it as 2 bath. That's false. It's 1 full bath and the other is a toilet and sink. They were always trying to get rent increased above guidelines. Always.

A well manicured lawn doesn't make up for gouging people for money.

We moved here in December 2015. In general it is a positive experience. The management usually responds to maintenance requests in a reasonable time. There were exceptions during covid which is understandable. The building is clean and we like the laundry room. The apartments are quite large. We like the people working here, they will try to help you as much as they can. The area is central to everything. The trails and parks around are great for walking or cycling. We enjoy living here.

Very well run building. Lived here for 4 years. Management communicates clearly and is available and friendly. The building is kept very clean and the landscaping is wonderful. The location is awesome in the valley with a forrest behind it. Other tenants are mostly friendly / polite. The only issue is the laundry - it is frustrating to get machines, especially with COVID. Would highly recommend this building.