Charlottetown seniors say their social housing complex isn’t healthy, safe or clean

Seniors dwelling at a social housing advanced in Charlottetown say they have been asking the Division of Social Improvement and Housing to enhance the circumstances of their constructing for years, however residents are nonetheless ready for repairs and outcomes.

Residents of 9 Champion Crt. say they’ve been coping with a leaky ceiling for greater than three years, and so they’re involved about potential mould attributable to the dampness. 

Pictures taken by one of many residents throughout the final two weeks present half-filled buckets lining the ground, accumulating water dripping from the ceiling. The buckets have since been eliminated, however water continues to be leaking from the ceiling. 

“It is about high quality of dwelling for seniors,” mentioned Wayne Casford, a longtime resident of the constructing. “We’re not getting the outcomes from all the guarantees we received.”

As well as, Casford mentioned the constructing is cleaned occasionally — about as soon as each six weeks — and that non-residents are coming into the constructing, making residents uncomfortable.

Casford and others say they’ve met with their native MLA and the previous minister answerable for Social Improvement and Housing, along with calling bureaucrats with housing companies. 

“I get annoyed and every part, and I went after housing once more, however they only cross the buck to another person,” Casford mentioned.

The constructing — owned by the P.E.I. Housing Company — has greater than 60 models, and supplies sponsored housing for seniors. The Division of Social Improvement and Housing oversees it.

In an announcement, the ministry mentioned it’s conscious of ongoing points at 9 Champion Courtroom.

It mentioned upkeep staff have been repairing the plumbing over the past three years, however the system requires in depth repairs and upgrades.

The assertion additionally mentioned these upgrades are underway, however they require the heating system to be shut down and drained, and the work have to be performed in July and August to offer warmth for tenants, beginning in September. It mentioned that the work is at present ongoing.

It additionally mentioned frequent areas are cleaned on a “scheduled rotation by upkeep service staff,” however did not disclose how typically the employees clear.

Non-residents sleeping in frequent rooms

Melanie Moffat mentioned she moved into 9 Champion Courtroom eight years in the past, excited to arrange an condominium and have a good time her retirement.

However she mentioned since then, she’s change into nervous inside her own residence.

She mentioned in recent times, non-residents have been coming into the constructing, utilizing the services, and sleeping within the frequent rooms.

“It has been type of scary for me,” Moffat mentioned. “It is a security and safety subject with me, and I began feeling actually, actually uncomfortable.”

The province put in a CCTV system final winter, however tenants mentioned that hasn’t served as a deterrent. 

The ministry can also be planning to put in a key fob system so solely present tenants can entry the constructing, however mentioned set up was delayed as a result of they have been ready for supplies to ship. 

It mentioned set up will start subsequent week.