Residents living in Anderton Arms are being forced to look for a new place to live.
The City of Courtenay announced they acquired the apartment building with the intent to demolish it once all tenants have relocated due to safety concerns.
City Manager Geoff Garbutt said tenants have been informed of the plan and have begun to look for new places to live.
“We know this is very difficult news for tenants who must relocate. The city does not take these steps lightly, and the city is working to provide support to ease the relocation process.”
The retaining wall of the property is posing a threat to the property and the Courtenay River, and a public safety notice was issued in December 2023 after structural engineers detected movement of the sheet pile wall.
Structural assessments since then have identified several signs of distress on the building, posing a threat to everyone in and around it.
Under the Residential Tenancy Act, tenants have been given notice to relocate for at least four months and have offered compensation based on the length of their tenancy at Anderton Arms and moving costs.
Garbutt said M’akola Housing Society has been brought on to support tenants during this difficult time.
“The Comox Valley, like many other communities in B.C., is facing an affordable housing crisis that makes this situation particularly challenging.”
More monitoring of the building will continue and if imminent failure is detected, tenants will be immediately evacuated.
A plan was told to tenants in case of immediate structural failure and the steps they should take if detected.
