Montreal Tenants Await Return to Unsafe Apartment Building

0:00Two months after an emergency evacuation forced tenants from a century-old apartment building in Montreal's NDG neighborhood, residents remain in. Limbo with no clear path to return. On January 22nd, City officials ordered everyone out following an engineering report that deemed the structure critically unsafe. The new owners, Elfaco Management, had purchased the property last year amid long-standing maintenance neglect by the previous owner. Officers from the firm ORTAM initially suggested temporary fixes by adding supports to the lay-the-evacuation and allow time for tenant relocation, plans. But after the building's boiler failed during a cold winter spill, inspectors stepped in and the city insisted on immediate action with no full. Safety Guarantee was provided. Tenants feel blindsided, saying they weren't warned about the danger sooner and now face ongoing stress from temporary housing with family, friends, or city aid. Many suspect this is a renoviction in disguise, designed to clear the building for upgrades

1:01and higher rents, though proving it is tough. Recent inspections have uncovered fire damage and asbestos, complicating repairs further. Engineers estimate at least another two to four months before any return is possible, while Elfaco insists safety comes first and is offered to cover. Moving costs and partial rent reimbursements, even if not required by law. The local borough is monitoring the situation closely, pressuring the landlord to move faster while supporting displaced tenants, leaving everyone, hoping for resolution amid the uncertainty. You've been listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news.