Acknowledgement of Payment Delays

We acknowledge that there have been delays in our rental payments. Despite these challenges, we have consistently made efforts to fulfill our financial obligations and have maintained regular payments. We are committed to resolving any outstanding balances and ensuring timely payments moving forward.

Operational Challenges and External Factors

Our operations have encountered obstacles, including interactions with the City of Vancouver’s Development Department. While we are not entirely certain of all the factors at play, these issues have impacted our business. We are actively seeking clarity and resolutions to mitigate any disruptions caused by these external challenges.

Concerns Regarding Recent Interactions

We wish to bring to your attention certain interactions with your representative, Lillian, during our meeting on December 18, 2024. Specific remarks made during the conversation were perceived as dismissive and unprofessional. For instance:

Premature Suggestions Without Understanding: Lillian suggested we dismiss our team members Brian and Grace and repurpose our Space J for foot massages before understanding our business operations. This approach demonstrates a lack of respect for our existing team structure and business model.

Interruption During Introduction: She interrupted our introduction, stating, “我不需要听这些，直接说重点。” (“I don’t need to hear this; just get to the point.”) This dismisses the importance of our perspective and undermines effective communication.

Dismissive Remark About Business Model: Lillian commented, “你们这种小生意很难长久。” (“Businesses like yours don’t last long.”) Such a statement is condescending and undermines the legitimacy and potential of our business.

Critique of Financial Management: She questioned, “如果你们连租金都付不起，为什么还在经营？” (“If you can’t even afford the rent, why are you still operating?”) This comment is insensitive to the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in the current economic climate.

Impatience with Scheduling: Regarding scheduling, she remarked, “我没时间迁就你们的安排。” (“I don’t have time to accommodate your schedule.”) A lack of flexibility in scheduling meetings hinders effective collaboration and problem-solving.

Condescending Advice: Lillian advised, “你们最好找个更有经验的人来处理这些问题。” (“You’d better find someone more experienced to handle these issues.”) This remark questions our competence and is dismissive of our efforts to manage our business.

Questionable Managerial Experience: Lillian asserted her managerial experience, stating, “我有多年的管理经验，你们应该听从我的建议。” (“I have many years of managerial experience; you should follow my advice.”) However, she later admitted, “其实我没有实际的运营经验，只是负责管理。” (“In fact, I don’t have practical operational experience; I am only responsible for management.”) This inconsistency raises questions about the depth of her expertise and the appropriateness of her recommendations.

Language Barrier and Lack of Inclusivity: Throughout our interaction, Lillian communicated exclusively in Mandarin, stating, “我不会说英语，所以我们只能用中文交流。” (“I don’t speak English, so we can only communicate in Chinese.”) This language barrier posed significant challenges, especially considering the diverse linguistic capabilities of our team, and demonstrated a lack of inclusivity and adaptability in accommodating all parties involved.

Such statements and behaviors have caused concern and have impacted our sense of mutual respect and collaboration.

Commitment to Legal Compliance and Tenant Rights

We are dedicated to upholding our rights as tenants, including the right to quiet enjoyment of the premises. According to Section 28 of the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), tenants in British Columbia are entitled to:

Reasonable privacy

Freedom from unreasonable disturbances

Exclusive use of their rental unit (except in situations where the RTA allows a landlord to enter)

Use of common areas for reasonable purposes, free from significant interference

We believe that addressing the current challenges collaboratively will help uphold these rights and maintain a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship.

Demonstrated Cooperation and Future Intentions

Over the years, we have demonstrated our willingness to cooperate and address any issues promptly. At this juncture, we feel it is necessary to reclaim our time and focus on finding a resolution that aligns with our business needs. We are prepared to explore all available avenues, including legal options, to ensure our rights and interests are protected until we secure a suitable alternative location.

References for Context

For a more comprehensive understanding of our situation and the broader challenges faced by small businesses, we invite you to review the following resources:

“A Letter of Gratitude and Update to Our Landlord”^[2]

“Charting the Canadian Landscape: Small Businesses, Immigration, and the 45th Federal Election”^[3]

“Strengthening Justice and Equity in BC: An Open Letter to the Law Foundation, Premier Eby, and People of British Columbia”^[4]

“Rising Together: Selfology’s Pursuit of Justice and Equity in the Wrath of Ruthlessness”^[5]

These documents provide insight into our experiences and the external factors influencing our operations.