Construction is currently underway at Birchwood Terrace on Winnipeg’s Portage Avenue, as nearly 200 tenants have been evacuated due to the building being deemed structurally unsound. Many residents, including Des Kappel, are feeling overwhelmed and confused about the situation. Kappel, who is currently living in a hotel, expressed concern for other residents who are facing financial and logistical challenges as a result of the evacuation. The uncertainty of when they will be able to return to retrieve their possessions is also causing distress for many individuals.
Ron Krug, a long-time resident in the area near Birchwood Terrace, is also feeling anxious about the situation. Despite being told to prepare for potential evacuation, he has not received clear information about what the next steps will be. The lack of communication and uncertainty surrounding the situation is causing additional stress for Krug and others in the neighborhood. The City of Winnipeg has stated that there is no update on the status of Birchwood Terrace, but an evacuation watch remains in place for properties on Assiniboine Crescent.
Former Birchwood Terrace residents are in need of urgent support, according to Kappel. He highlighted the need for mental health services, home care for seniors, and financial assistance for those who have been displaced. Lawyer Katrine Dilay pointed out that while some losses may be recouped, the Manitoba Residential Tenancies Act does not provide compensation for stress, anxiety, or injury to feelings and dignity. Former tenants are encouraged to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for guidance on their rights and options moving forward.
Dilay explained that former Birchwood Terrace tenants may have the right of first refusal if the apartments are repaired within a year, allowing them the option to return if they choose. Financial losses can potentially be remedied by demonstrating what was lost through receipts or documentation of belongings. Individuals like Kappel, who have faced challenges with substandard living conditions prior to the evacuation, are struggling to come to terms with their current reality. The owner of Birchwood Terrace, Ladco Company Limited, did not respond to requests for comment, leaving residents feeling abandoned and unsure about their future.
Kappel also expressed concern about other properties in the area owned by Ladco Company Limited that appear to be of similar age and condition to Birchwood Terrace. While the City of Winnipeg does not routinely conduct structural inspections of properties, it emphasizes that property owners are responsible for maintaining their buildings in a safe condition. The uncertainty and lack of communication from both the property owner and the city have left residents feeling vulnerable and confused. Efforts are being made to support former Birchwood Terrace residents through this challenging time, but the long-term implications of the building’s structural issues remain uncertain. Residents are left wondering about the fate of their possessions and the possibility of finding a new place to call home in the aftermath of this unforeseen crisis.
