The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has resorted to legal action against the owner of a seniors’ apartment building due to numerous health code violations that have not been addressed. Abby Mackie, a public health inspector at TBDHU, mentioned that compliance orders were issued to SMS Property Trust Inc. on two occasions following complaints about issues such as excessive heat, overflowing garbage, and bedbugs at Vickers Manor.
These compliance orders were considered a final option after attempts to resolve the health hazards through education and cooperation with the ownership were unsuccessful. Vickers Manor, previously known as McKellar Place, provides independent living units for seniors and assisted living units managed by Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario.
The property, situated at 325 Archibald St. S. in Thunder Bay, is currently listed for sale at $1, down from its earlier price of $18.9 million. Apart from health code violations, the owner is also facing numerous fire code violations and has encountered financial challenges, including unpaid bills that almost led to utility cutoffs.
SMS Property Trust Inc., owned by Ongrasothy Masillamany, is facing 36 charges under the Health Protection and Promotion Act related to excessive heat within the building. The owner has been summoned to court to address these violations, with a hearing scheduled for November 25.
Despite efforts to engage with the owner for compliance, the health unit has faced challenges due to non-responsiveness. Thunder Bay—Superior North NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois has raised concerns about the conditions at Vickers Manor, urging the province to investigate the matter further.
Residents at Vickers Manor, like Sharon Zoschke, have expressed their attachment to the community despite the uncertainties surrounding the building’s future. Zoschke emphasized the importance of keeping tenants informed about developments and potential changes, highlighting the significance of community support during challenging times.
