Introduction

Tenants of a 47-unit apartment building in Lachine are sounding the alarm after enduring nearly two months without heat or hot water. Their desperate cries for help have fallen on deaf ears, as efforts to contact the building’s management have yielded no response.

Desperate Living Conditions

Catherine Hamel and Thomas Shedrick, who both work from home, described their living situation as a "nightmare." The couple, whose rent includes heat and hot water, figured their woes began last winter when the heating system first malfunctioned. "We can’t even invite guests over for Christmas to wash their hands in cold water," expressed Shedrick. For the past two months, they have resorted to boiling water for bathing and washing dishes, supplemented by space heaters they purchased themselves.

Another resident, Rashid Gizitdinov, revealed that he has had to rely on a small space heater in his studio and public showers at his gym to stay clean. "We go to the gym to take hot showers over there," he said, further highlighting the lack of basic amenities in their building.

Horrible Living Conditions

The issue is compounded by the absence of janitorial services. CTV News observed the deplorable conditions: appliances cluttering the hallways, garbage strewn throughout the entry and grounds, and signs of water infiltration.

Local Authorities Step In

Local authorities have just become aware of the crisis, with the borough sending fire inspectors to the site in hopes of obtaining an emergency court order to compel the building’s owner to take immediate action. "For a while it was warm, but it’s going to get pretty cold—around -14°C. We've been trying to track down this landlord for nearly two years now," said Maja Vodanovich, the borough mayor.

The city has even taken the unusual step of renting a dumpster for the building as trash accumulation reached alarming levels. Despite the mayor's ongoing attempts, letters from bailiffs to the owner have gone unanswered.

tenants’ Options

While tenants have the option to request a hearing at the housing tribunal, Vodanovich pointed out that this process can be exceedingly slow. "If we can take quicker measures through the fire department, we’re trying that route," she stated.

City's Intervention

After the fire department’s inspection, city legal representatives approved the intervention of city workers to restore heat and hot water, charging the costs to the absent landlord.

Residents' Hopes

As of now, Shedrick and Hamel cling to hope that their unfortunate living conditions will soon improve. "It’s very difficult to stay positive," Shedrick lamented. Will the local government be able to resolve this crisis before the winter chill sets in? The residents eagerly await updates, praying for a swift resolution to their dire situation.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for developments in this ongoing story as we keep an eye on the plight of the Lachine tenants.