Birchwood Terrace tenant thrilled and anxious to move home

There is still a security fence around the Birchwood Terrace apartment building on Portage Avenue, but displaced tenants like Debby Ross can finally start going back.

"I get to go home. I get to go home. I have my own place back," said Ross.

The City of Winnipeg said it issued owner Ladco a full occupancy permit this week, meaning tenants can return.

In an email to tenants, the property manager, Lakewood Agencies, said it is working to make the move-in process as quick as possible.

"Thank you for your cooperation and patience over the past months. We eagerly look forward to welcoming you back to Birchwood Terrace," the email read.

In May this year, 250 residents were forced to leave. The building was abruptly evacuated after it was discovered steel columns in the parkade were deteriorating.

Ross is relieved to be going home after eight months and four hotels.

“The notice of us going home is surprising. It's thrilling, and I just pray everything works this time," said Ross.

But she said her current hotel is only covered until Dec. 31, making the move back in tight for her, with Christmas around the corner and she has mobility issues.

"I'm having very bad panic attacks, I'm having more health issues at the moment." 

The province has been paying hotel costs for tenants and said it will continue to support tenants as they move back home. As of Sept. 30, the province said it has spent $216,000.

As for moving back in, Ross is confident the building is safe.

"I looked to see what they did, and the parkade looks better than the whole building," said Ross.

CTV News reached out to Ladco for comment and has not yet heard back.