'It's home': Residents in Winnipeg recovery facility protest as eviction deadline looms
A facility helping those in recovery reconnect with their loved ones rallied outside a south Winnipeg condo building Tuesday, in a fight to stay in the suites.
CTV News has learned that residents living in most of the units in the west building at 873 Waverley St. have less than two months to move out.
“Feeling kind of unsure about what’s going to happen,” resident Charlton Daniels said.
Since June, Aurora Recovery Centre (ARC) has been operating a family reunification village in the condo development.
However, earlier this month, a Manitoba judge ordered Aurora to cease and desist its operations, saying the facility violated a condominium declaration which states “Each unit shall be occupied and used only as a private single-family residence and for no other purpose…”
In her endorsement, the presiding judge wrote: “In this case I agree with the assertion of the applicant, that the operation of a business, such as the Reunification Village, as a branch of ARC, is inconsistent with and in contravention of the Declaration of this condominium.”
At the time, the judge also said the tenants should be given time to pack up their belongings and move out. A week later, Aurora president and CEO Michael Bruneau said he received a letter stating the facility and its clients had to move out by Dec. 31.
CTV News obtained the letter, confirming the deadline and requirement for all residents and property to be removed.
“The holidays (are) about spending time with family, opening gifts, you know? We shouldn’t have to pack our stuff and go,” said Trivia Beaulieu, who said she’s been living at the complex since August.
“I’m scared, I’m upset, I want to get my kids,” said Malarie Ross, who had just arrived at the Waverley condo Tuesday afternoon.
“These are families, it’s not a business,” said Aurora knowledge keeper and counselor Tara Campbell. “They have a right to be here.”
Bruneau agreed. He said he was initially shocked by the court order and described the deadline as blindsiding.
"They're residential properties. I'm not running a business out of there,” he said. “The people who are in there, they're paying their rent and we're offering a service.”
Aurora offers a number of services and supports, including financial aid and counselling, something residents say has helped them on their recovery journey.
“This is a perfect place for us to be dealing and healing with our situations,” said Kelly Nowdalk, who came to Winnipeg from Iqaluit for Aurora’s family and recovery services.
“These people are beautiful, this place is beautiful, so I don't know why they have a problem with us,” Beaulieu said.
Some people who live in the complex, as well as staff, said they’ve received backlash since they moved in.
“They face discrimination being here,” Campbell said. “There is racism alive and well here.”
“Makes us feel unsafe, uncomfortable and unwanted,” Beaulieu added.
While many people hope the condo board will change its mind, others said they’re worried about what’s next.
“I’m gonna have to really start trying to find somewhere to go, I guess,” said Aleysha Ladoux. “I’m not sure, but you never know what’ll happen.”
Bruneau was firm in his decision to stay put, despite looking at other potential locations just last week.
CTV News reached out to the law office representing the condo corporation about the protest but has not received a response.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.