'Somewhere between shock and anger': Westcourt residents out for 'many months'

Westcourt Place tenants will be out for "many months" after what the building's manager said are reports of "significant" damage to the building following a mid-November fire.

"Early reports suggest the damage was significant and that necessary repairs will take many months requiring a prolonged dislocation for residents," said a statement posted to Facebook by Vickie Heyden. 

Westcourt residents were forced out of their homes after an accidental electrical fire started in the parking garage on Nov. 12. Five people, including three firefighters, were treated in hospital due to the smoke. 

"I'm somewhere between shock and anger," said Westcourt tenant James White. White represents more than 100 tenants in a newly-formed resident group. 

"That said, truth be told it's not as much of a shock as you would think it would be ... we were suspecting [this] based on the type of damage and the lack of progress."

White said only a few "extreme optimists" though they'd be back in their homes before the end of February. 

"Given the amount of time you are expected to be out of your apartments, we are encouraging residents to pursue alternative, stable housing," she said.

Heyden said that while Westcourt Place is not "actively encouraging" people to cancel their leases, they "understand the challenges of the situation."

As such, Westcourt Place has agreed to honour any requests for early termination of rental agreements. 

White said one of the most frustrating things now is that 200 people are going to be looking for housing in an already difficult housing market — right before Christmas. 

"It's difficult to replace the Westcourt advantage," said White. "Nothing is the same as living downtown. This is going to be a significant challenge for all of us."

Heyden said that any rent collected from Nov. 12 to Nov. 30 will be refunded and no rent payments will be required or accepted while residents are out of their units. 

"While the building remains uninhabitable, management supports residents desire to visit their suites to retrieve necessary items and small household goods," said Heyden, adding that she thanks residents for their continued patience. 

White said the details of that process — and the two-week refund of rent — just aren't good enough. 

"They had to do [that refund] by law," said White. "It's not necessarily enough for moving and to find a new place."

According to White the entire process has been "chaos."

"Misunderstanding and misinformation ... it all started with 72 hours as the official story," said White. "This has to be the start of the conversation, not the end of the conversation."

There are more than 200 residents — as well as approximately 30 commercial tenants — displaced due to the fire. Also displaced are staff with the Provincial Offences court, who are using city hall as a temporary space.