Residents of a privately owned seniors’ residence in Thunder Bay, Ontario, are contemplating their choices as their landlord grapples with outstanding utility bills and numerous fire code infractions. Vickers Manor, previously known as McKellar Place, caters to independent senior living. The six-story property, located on the south side of the city, comprises 109 residential units and 10 commercial units and is currently listed for sale at $18.9 million.
On February 27, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue conducted an inspection at the property, identifying 34 violations of the Ontario Fire Code. Subsequently, orders were issued to SMS Property Trust Inc. to rectify the infractions by April 28. Residents expressed concerns about the safety of the building, with one resident, Alyssa Kirk, stating that the lack of proper monitoring and safeguards could lead to a potential fire hazard.
CBC News witnessed inspection order documents affixed to an interior door within the building, outlining required repairs to exits, exit signs, emergency lighting units, installation of carbon monoxide detectors, removal of combustible materials, and other safety measures. The landlord was also mandated to conduct regular reviews of the fire safety plan and maintain firefighting equipment and systems.
Residents are apprehensive about the possibility of evictions, whether due to a sale of the property or if deemed uninhabitable. Some residents expressed feeling uninformed about ongoing issues within the building. In response to the concerns raised, the executive director of Vickers Manor, Venisha Jay, reassured residents that no eviction notices have been issued or discussed thus far.
Electrical safety concerns prompted the issuance of a disconnection notice by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), which was scheduled for June 1. However, the ESA confirmed on Thursday that the necessary electrical work at Vickers Manor has been completed. Synergy North stated that a payment arrangement has been agreed upon for outstanding utilities, while Enbridge Gas refrained from commenting on individual accounts due to privacy reasons.
Residents, including Kirk and Zoschke, revealed that it is widely known among residents that the landlord is behind on payments. Additionally, they mentioned instances where rent money was withdrawn prematurely. Elevator outages have been a recurrent issue, with one elevator being out of service for an entire summer. Kirk also highlighted a flooding incident during winter that resulted in mold in her unit.
The City of Thunder Bay acknowledged the concerns surrounding unpaid utilities, the property’s sale listing, and potential impact on residents at Vickers Manor. While the city does not have jurisdiction over ownership or operational matters, it facilitated a meeting with the Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic to provide legal education to tenants. The city emphasized its commitment to support tenant safety and explore housing options for affected residents.
Legal experts emphasized the importance for tenants to understand their rights under the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) in Ontario. The LTB serves as a recourse for tenants in cases of landlord negligence, but it is currently experiencing a backlog of cases. The potential consequences of mass evictions could strain other resources such as shelters and hospitals, underscoring the need for prompt resolution.
Residents expressed hope for a resolution to the challenges at Vickers Manor, with some residents waiting on housing waitlists for extended periods. They urged prospective owners to prioritize resident well-being and foster a sense of community within the building.