N.D.G. Tenants Remain Displaced One Month After Emergency Evacuation
One month after an emergency evacuation ordered due to structural safety concerns, dozens of residents from an apartment building on Old Orchard Avenue in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood remain uncertain about when they can return home. The evacuation, which occurred on January 22 with less than one day's notice, has left tenants in temporary accommodations, relying on family, friends, or costly sublets.
Minimal Support and Confusion Over City Response
Several tenants report that assistance from both their landlord, Elfaco Management Inc., and local borough officials has been minimal or difficult to access. Grace Clark, a 25-year-old jazz studies student at Concordia University who has lived in the building for four years, described the situation as frustrating and confusing. "We've had to find a lot of it on our own," Clark stated, referring to temporary housing arrangements.
N.D.G.'s interim borough mayor, Sonny Moroz, posted on social media about a support unit with a social services liaison officer established to ensure direct communication with tenants. However, Clark, along with her roommate Marie-Catherine Hall and neighbor Tobias Goulem, said they have not been contacted by anyone in this role. "We can't put a name on who has that role," Clark told reporters, highlighting the disconnect between official claims and tenants' experiences.
Struggles with Temporary Housing and Eligibility
The evacuation has exposed gaps in support systems for displaced residents. Clark, as a full-time student, was told she does not qualify for temporary shelter under Montreal's public housing program and initially slept on a friend's couch before securing an out-of-pocket sublet. Similarly, Hall, who works for a ski tourism company and earns over $45,000 annually, was deemed ineligible for public housing based on income criteria.
Hall expressed frustration over the difficulty of finding affordable temporary housing during winter months. "It's really difficult to find something temporary within the budget that we've kind of allocated for rent when our place is $1,185 a month," she explained. Both tenants emphasized that they have received no clear timeline from the landlord regarding when they might return to their apartments.
Allegations of 'Renoviction' and Landlord Accountability
Some tenants have raised concerns that the evacuation may be a "renoviction disguised as an evacuation," suggesting the landlord might be using safety issues to justify renovations that could lead to higher rents. Hall pointed out that the building, located in the desirable Monkland village area, offers relatively cheap rent, making it a potential target for redevelopment.
Elfaco Management Inc., owned by the Elfassy family, has provided email updates to tenants, citing complications such as the discovery of asbestos and evidence of a prior fire, which they claim slow inspection and repair work. However, these communications have not included a specific move-in date. Tenants also received a partial rent reimbursement for January, covering days without occupancy and heating issues, but many feel this is insufficient given their ongoing displacement.
Clark and Hall expressed distrust in the landlord, noting that an engineering report from November recommended immediate evacuation, yet it was not shared with tenants until January. "This is a renoviction disguised as an evacuation," Hall asserted, questioning the landlord's intentions since taking ownership of the building last summer.
Ongoing Uncertainty and Calls for Transparency
As the one-month mark passes, tenants continue to face uncertainty, with no clear resolution in sight. The lack of transparent communication from both the landlord and city officials has compounded their stress. Clark summarized the sentiment among residents: "We've been left in the dark, and it feels like no one is taking responsibility."
The situation underscores broader issues of tenant rights and housing security in urban areas, with displaced residents calling for greater accountability and support in times of crisis. As investigations and repairs proceed, tenants remain hopeful for a swift return home but prepared for a prolonged displacement.
