James Bay tenants still looking for housing after fatal fire
Tenants displaced by a James Bay apartment fire are banding together in an increasingly desperate search for affordable housing.
“There’s been a lot of difficulties that we’ve faced as a result of the fire and being displaced so suddenly,” says former Village Green Apartments tenant Jason Rempel.
The group figures about 10 people are still looking for more permanent accommodations after the deadly fire forced them from their homes at 118 Menzies Street.
While some of them are taking legal action over a dispute related to the habitability of the building in hopes of returning soon, the landlord says the building isn’t safe and those affected will need to find somewhere to live for at least 10 months to allow for restoration work.
“The fact that the housing search is coming up with no leads is making things that much more difficult and adds to the uncertainty and anxiety that we’re all facing,” says Rempel.
Every person’s situation is different. Rempel is a hospitality worker who says income has been tight with fewer tourists, so he can’t afford to pay more than $900 a month.
He’s on the last few days of a temporary stay through the help of strangers in Oak Bay.
Rempel says he’s also helping his 71-year-old neighbour who doesn’t want to be identified. He says she doesn’t have family in Canada and calls to affordable housing agencies are coming up empty.
“My main concerns are with her right now,” he says. “She’s had a very difficult time.”
Another displaced tenant, Neil Kingswell, is also a senior on a fixed income.
He’s been staying in a hotel with the help of the province, which has been assisting some people on income assistance and disability assistance.
Kingswell’s stay is supposed to be running out in a few days, but the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction says the stay can be extended if other housing options aren’t available.
“I would like to know that I’m not going to have to be concerned about leaving a place on a certain date,” said Kingwell in an interview prior to the province’s response to CTV News. “You know when you walk into a place and think: ‘I’m home?’ I don’t have that anymore.”
The tenants say they’re grateful for the support they’ve received so far – and are hopeful a lead on something more permanent will come soon, as they rally to support each other in some newfound friendships.
Unfortunately, their plight is shared with others. Greater Victoria’s tight rental market hasn’t made their search easy.
“Just today, I’ve seen about 15 new listings. Everything is about $1,800 to 2,000,” Rempel said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.