Police investigate flooding of penthouse in student building
WATERLOO — It’s been a rough start to the school year for Lang Ncube and she’s not alone.
The University of Waterloo student is among tenants displaced from their apartments after a penthouse flood soaked a 10-storey building.
Property managers emailed tenants Sept. 1 to say “the former tenant of the penthouse at 316 King St. N. attempted to flood the entire unit while moving out.” Police are investigating it as vandalism.
“The investigation is ongoing to determine whether or not there was criminal intent behind the cause of the flooding,” said Cherri Greeno, spokesperson for Waterloo Regional Police.
Only some units need repairs. Ncube and other tenants have been put up in hotels while landlord Obie Mujawaz rushes to repair damage estimated at more than $50,000. The three-bedroom, twobathroom penthouse rents for up to $3,600 a month. It’s promoted online for its “amazing view to the city, prime location close to universities, great food places and a huge balcony which can be used for barbecuing and many more things!”
Ncube, 22, was preparing to move into the student building Monday. She found her eighth-floor bedroom was without walls and a floor after workers ripped out damp drywall and flooring. Repairs are continuing but it’s unclear when she can return.
Police responded to the flooding call at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 28.
“The best word to describe it would be frustrated,” said Ncube, who is beginning her fourth year studying psychology and human resources.
She prefers to be organized in resuming her studies but it’s been chaotic, displaced to a hotel while she stores her furniture and some clothes at a friend’s place.
“When you have an inconvenience as big as this, you feel lost,” she said.
She’s unsettled that someone might have deliberately flooded the building.
“At the end of the day it’s more selfish than anything,” she said.
Milestone Developments owns the 10storey tower, which is insured. The company has called the building an eyesore and a mistake, in seeking Waterloo’s permission to convert it from five-bedroom student apartments into two-bedroom condos.
“It’s an unfortunate event,” Milestone owner Obie Mujawaz said of the flood. “We’re working diligently to get this resolved ASAP.” He could not say when repairs will be completed.
He declined to discuss the former penthouse tenant or reveal why property managers suspect vandalism. “I’m going to leave that for police,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777.