The furor over living conditions at Valleyview Towers II in North Battleford continues.
The News-Optimist has received a number of letters to the editor in the last several days and weeks, with writers continuing to express concerns about living conditions at the seniors highrise.
Among the concerns expressed is continued crime and disorderly conduct at the buildings.
These same concerns previously went public in 2019, prompting meetings at the complex and some changes to attempt to address the issues.
In Dec. 2019, the then-MLA for the Battlefords, Herb Cox, told the News-Optimist that Sask. Housing Corporation and the Battlefords Housing Authority were working to resolve the problems at Valleyview Towers, with security expanded to seven days a week instead of weekends only, as well as an increase in the use of security cameras there.
It now appears the issues have not gone away. A letter-writing campaign has been launched in recent weeks with Valleyview Towers residents alleging more incidents, including disorderly conduct as well as potential violations of COVID-19 mask orders.
One letter to the editor from Les Turner in December stated: “Just a little over a week ago, someone vomited on the front step of our building. The office was notified. Several days later it was finally cleaned up by one of our residents. This Sunday morning, I cleaned up poop from the elevator left after the all-night party. This is the third time I personally know of when there was human feces found in the elevator after a drunken party, and, no, it was not chocolate.”
Another tenant, Maxine Finch, indicated in her letter to the editor in January that there was a recent change in security firms at the building. She also stated “a number of the worst offending tenants were handed eviction notices.”
“Now get down to the most important work. Remove any staff, management or board members that do not want to do their jobs,” she stated.
“All of the terrible things and disgusting behaviours that have happened since the current manager was hired by the local board are results of poor decisions, and the local board refuses to accept responsibility or hold their general manager accountable for his actions or failure to act.”
The News-Optimist has reached out to the Ministry of Social Services for comment on the situation at the complex.
In response, a statement was issued by Roger Parenteau, Executive Director Housing Operations with Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, which reads as follows:
“Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is aware of the situation at ValleyView Towers in North Battleford, and are providing our full support to the local housing authority and their on-going work to improve relationships in the building. The Battlefords Housing Authority has made significant, long-term efforts to address concerns. This has included one-on-one meetings with tenants, an investigation of concerns raised, and then the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to improve building safety and culture. Efforts are on-going, and we are confident that tenants and staff will continue working together well to create a safe and positive environment.”
