Apartments condemned in New Glasgow
More than 30 people affected after American House property fails fire inspection
NEW GLASGOW – More than 30 people marked the first day of spring with the bad news that they could no longer stay in the building they called home.
Around 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, crews with the Town of New Glasgow, New Glasgow Regional Police and fire officials shut down parts of Marsh and James Streets in New Glasgow’s downtown.
About an hour later, the New Glasgow Fire Department and the Nova Scotia Fire Marshall’s Office notified the public that the building once known as American House and property on James Street had not passed fire inspection and were being condemned. Four tenants plus a cat left the property in the morning, leaving the owner, John Tomlik, behind to pack his belongings.
The property on James Street had two units, while the Marsh Street apartment had seven units, all of which were occupied in both buildings. It is estimated that in just the Marsh Street apartment, there were six paying tenants, plus the building owner and more than 27 squatters.
Lisa Deyoung, the executive director of Viola’s Place, said the eviction went “better than expected.”
COMMUNICATION OF RISK
However, Deyoung was disappointed about the communication with tenants.
“Tenants weren’t prepared for this, and they’ve (the town) been talking about this for months,” Deyoung said. “No housing options are available. We considered allowing people to camp in our parking lot, but that’s not ideal. People are going to have to camp throughout the community.”
When asked about communication with tenants, New Glasgow’s fire chief, Ross White, said that he had told Tomlik a week before the inspection that he was returning to the property for a follow-up inspection.
White added that the property was initially inspected on May 31, 2023, and the owner was given a list of deficiencies that needed to be addressed at that time.
“At that point in time, with seeing the conditions worsened, the deputy fire marshalled had to be called,” White said. A release circulated on the evening of March 20 specified that fire safety items weren’t rectified by the owner of the properties.
He added that he has no authority over the issuing of vacate and close orders and that the decision came down from the Fire Marshall’s office after photos and a report were sent about the property. He added that when an order to vacate and close is issued, and there is considered a risk to life, the property must immediately be vacated.
“When we’re dealing with life safety issues, it has to be immediate; we cannot let them stay for a week or three months. We either gather their stuff or look for another place because we’re at a point in time if we allow this to go on any longer, it’s not safe,” White continued.
When asked why Wednesday was picked as the day for the eviction, White said it was the day the deputy fire marshal was available to inspect the property with White.
Saltwire tried to reach Tomlik for comment about the property and eviction but was unable to get a hold of him before publication time.
LACK OF HOUSING OPTIONS
Deyoung added that Viola’s Place had been operating at or above capacity throughout most of the winter, having to open up space for 25 people. Currently, the shelter only has 20 beds for clients.
“It’s just too much,” she said.
A few days before the eviction, Viola’s Place posted a call on Facebook asking for supplies such as hygiene products, tents, sleeping bags, and clothing. Deyoung said that people have come by and continue to drop things off at the shelter.
“We have tents and baked goods,” she said. “People are starting to see it more. I’ve spoken to other rural shelters in the province, and they’re also struggling to get enough space for clients.”
New Glasgow’s mayor, Nancy Dicks, said in a phone interview on Thursday afternoon that she recognized that this is a difficult situation and the town is doing what it can to help those impacted by the evictions.
“There has been really significant work being done to look for alternate supportive housing for the folks and the tenants that were living there. And these were, of course, the property owner and its eight other tenants,” said Dicks. “The town, along with the other sort of frontline community groups, have been working diligently to try to find alternate locations with some success. We will continue to follow every avenue we can to get everyone properly housed.”
CONTINUED SUPPORT
Community groups such as the Department of Community Services, Viola’s Place, community volunteers and the Person-directed Planning Pilot Project (PDPP) were available to support tenants and supply emergency lodgings.
Kate O’farrell, a counsellor and project manager for the Person-directed Planning Pilot Project at Summerstreet Industries, was on the scene during the eviction and has worked with several tenants on Marsh and James Streets.
“We’re concerned about all of them in general, especially with the housing crisis. We’ll hopefully get housing options soon,” O’farrell said.
When asked what her response was to the day’s eviction, she said she’s been working hard to provide support when she can.
“We’ll continue to connect them to the support they need,” she added.