Photo: (Sarah Law/CBC)
Families demand answers as seniors at Thunder Bay’s Vickers Manor face lost meal services, fire code issues and an uncertain future.
Families Demand Answers as Seniors Face an Uncertain Future
Families in Thunder Bay are calling for accountability after residents at Vickers Manor found themselves caught in a growing housing crisis.
The privately owned seniors’ residence has become the centre of serious concerns. Unpaid utility bills, fire code violations and the loss of essential services have left tenants worried about what comes next. At the same time, city council plans to discuss whether any support can be offered to residents affected by the situation.
Residents Urged to Find New Homes Before Aug. 18
City officials have encouraged the remaining tenants to look for other places to live before Aug. 18.
Kelly Robertson, Thunder Bay’s commissioner of community services, warned residents that the building faces ongoing financial problems. He also said the future remains uncertain, even though the property is still listed for sale.
According to Robertson, residents should not count on a sale to solve the crisis. Instead, they should continue making plans to relocate as soon as possible.
Meal Program Ends, Adding More Stress
Life has become even harder for the people who still live at Vickers Manor.
Residents no longer receive the hot meal program that formed part of their lease agreements. For many seniors, those daily meals played an important role in their health and independence.
Meanwhile, concerns over utilities have created more anxiety. Earlier notices warned that electricity and natural gas could be disconnected because of large unpaid bills.
Later, Synergy North confirmed that electricity would remain connected for now. However, uncertainty around other essential services continues to worry residents and their families.
Family Fears Son Could Return to Hospital
Michelle Hamilton says the situation has turned her family’s life upside down.
Her son, John, has lived at Vickers Manor for 12 years. As a quadriplegic living with a traumatic brain injury, he spent years in hospital before finding accessible housing at the residence.
Now, Hamilton says the uncertainty leaves him with few options. If suitable housing cannot be found quickly, he may have to return to hospital until another accessible unit becomes available.
She says the emotional toll reaches far beyond finding a new place to live.
According to Hamilton, residents have built strong friendships over the years. Now, that close-knit community risks being broken apart.
Fire Code Violations Add to Growing Concerns
Visitors arriving at Vickers Manor can easily see the seriousness of the situation.
Several notices remain posted at the entrance, including documents related to fire code violations and updates about the building’s future.
The six-storey property at 325 Archibald St. S. contains 109 residential units along with 10 commercial spaces. It serves seniors who live independently while participating in a meal program included in their tenancy agreements.
Building Listed for Just $1
The future of Vickers Manor has taken another unexpected turn.
Earlier this year, the property appeared on the market with an asking price of $18.9 million. Since then, it has been relisted for only $1, raising fresh questions about its financial condition and future ownership.
A notice displayed at the building recently suggested that new ownership could take effect on Aug. 1. However, city officials say residents should continue preparing to move because no sale has been finalized.
City Council Set to Review Next Steps
Thunder Bay city council is expected to discuss the growing situation this week.
While Vickers Manor remains privately owned, families hope local leaders can help protect vulnerable seniors during this difficult period.
For now, residents continue to face uncertainty as they search for new homes, wait for answers and hope essential services remain available.
