Carlton Park tenants raise concerns over living conditions

Montgrand explained she was given notice management would have someone come by to inspect for black mold, but nothing was done. Instead she claimed they went looking for reasons to kick her out. On top of the mold issue she adds she just doesn’t feel safe.

“Homeless people will come and sleep in the lobby and I was on my way to go pay rent and I was robbed,” she claimed.

Missing fire extinguishers are one of many issues for tenants. (Submitted photo)

When she reported the incident to her landlord, Montgrand claimed he dismissed it as a lie.

Chad and Samantha Fiddler also live in the building, and were forced to watch helplessly over the weekend as their ceiling caved in.

“I didn’t even know what to do,” Samantha said, adding she is just glad her four-year-old son was not playing in the living room at the time.

Tenants say there is evidence of black mold throughout the building. (Submitted photo)

Signs of water damage. (Submitted photo)

As of Monday, management has come and placed a garbage bin in the hallway to address the dripping water, and the snow has been shovelled off the roof. Someone has also come by the Fiddler’s apartment with a shop-vac. Despite their issues and a number of their personal belongings getting wrecked including clothes, a television, and an antique record player, the couple said their preference is to stay.

“If our concerns can be addressed properly, yeah we will gladly stay because this is our home,” Samantha said.

(Submitted photo)

Due to COVID-19, the Prince Albert Weidner office is operating by appointment only, so the doors were locked when the upset tenants showed up at 1 p.m.

Response from Weider

According to a statement provided to paNOW by Greg Cerbana, Vice-President of Public Relations for Weidner, the Fiddler family was most definitely affected by a leak in the roof above their apartment.

“That is a major inconvenience to their family and one that we regret occurred. We’ve maintained contact with the family throughout the situation to keep them updated as to the status of the repairs,” Cerbana said.

While noting Weidner offered to pay for the Fiddler’s moving costs if they elected to find a new place to live, Cerbana added the company also offered the Fiddler family transfer to another apartment within the community, and gave them a key to another suite in the same building for their use while repairs were being done.

With respect to the water issues, Cerbana explained a leak was discovered Friday in the common area hallway, as a result of the warming weather that melted the snow and ice that was built up on the roof. A roofing specialist was then contracted to come to the property on Monday and complete the repairs.

“We take pride in the communities that we own and operate throughout Canada, and have a record of strong customer service and attentiveness to issues that are brought to our attention,” he said.

Cerbana also explained in his statement that there are several ways residents can reach out to submit a service request, and assured that those experiencing an emergency type situation, would receive a response no later than 48 hours later. In closing, Cerbana also indicated that there was more to the story than what was being communicated.

“The records that we keep are detailed, and have allowed us to prevail in instances where allegations are made that can’t be substantiated in a court of law,” he said. “Our onsite teams, as well as the leadership at our PA Regional Office are committed to delivering superior levels of service to the residents who call our apartment communities home.”

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Carlton Park tenants raise concerns over living conditions

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