Estrie Public Health is intervening with a Farnham landlord to carry out decontamination of its rental properties, where a major mold problem is putting tenants' health at risk.
The health notice issued Thursday concerns the building at 350 Rue Laguë. This 16-unit building has made headlines several times due to water leaks and mold in the basement apartments.
In the summer of 2022, owner Guy Poulin told TVA Nouvelles that he would begin work. He repeated the same thing in June 2023 while the problem persisted. Following this second report, the Estrie Health Department initiated an epidemiological investigation.
In July 2023, an initial site inspection was carried out and an assessment of the health of the tenants in the basement was carried out. “Tenants exhibit symptoms consistent with mold exposure, such as difficulty breathing, coughing or headaches,” said Estrie Public Health medical advisor Mélissa Généreux, who was met at the scene. Thursday from TVA Nouvelles.
The Public Health team was on site to inform tenants of the notice issued recommending the owner to carry out decontamination work on all basement apartments by a specialist company by January 31st.
“It's not an obligation, it's a recommendation. But we have met the owner and he has committed to it, so I am confident it will be done, says Dr. Genereux. Otherwise there is the Public Health Act. Do we have to resort to this? I won't comment on that. Right now we are in collaboration mode.”
Ginette Laramée is a tenant in one of the four apartments in the basement. She highly doubts that the owner will respect his commitment. “I'll believe it when I see it. He often said he would do the decontamination, but that never happened.”
Due to the high level of mold in her rental, Ms. Laramée has been living with a friend since June 2022. “I have been paying my rent all this time without being in it and have taken steps to the Housing Administrative Court.” to be reimbursed; I can’t wait for this to be over and for me to finally be home.”
Finally, Public Health plans to assess the health of other tenants in the building. In addition, a report carried out in the fall by an external company revealed that mold was present in nine of the twelve apartments on the upper floors.