‘I want my stuff’: Tenant tense as landlord of building at risk of collapse leaving her hanging

Tales of heartache continue to flow through the now-empty halls of Birchwood Terrace.

“There was no time to pack up anything. I’m literally an emotional mess,” said Joanne Francis, one of 250 affected by the immediate order to vacate Birchwood Terrace.

“What am I waiting for? They are supposed to be getting repairs done, but there’s no one on site.” 

She’s received no help from the building’s owners, Ladco Company. Ltd. getting her belongings, including her mother’s ashes, which are still locked inside.

“I would be totally devastated, all I have is a picture of her, the rest is all inside of my apartment.”  

While Ladco officials continue to decline media requests, a statement from the company says it’s putting focus on displaced residents. But Francis says the remark is laughable.

“They are not focused on the tenants. They are focused on: ‘what’s the best way out of this situation for the company that owns this building,'” said Francis.

There’s no requirement under City bylaws for building owners to report on the inspections they conduct outside of the permit process.

Area City Councillor Shawn Dobson, says while it’s currently beyond the city’s scope to require building inspection outside the permit process, it could be examined moving forward. Dobson said the city will offer whatever support is needed. 

“Our department will of course be looking at that and that’s something we’ll have to be determined by our planning department as well as our engineers,” said Dobson. 

“We were there right at the start and we’re going to be there right until we get them a place to stay.” 

But for Francis, while she pivoted after Ladco turned her life upside down, they’re now preventing her from moving forward. 

“They wanted me to get an apartment. I got an apartment and I want my stuff.”