A judge condemns the CISSS de Laval for failing to help a compulsive hoarder who is repeatedly persecuted by the city and is now at risk of losing his roof.
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“ [S’il] If he were to be evicted from his home, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for him to find accommodation. Society would have another homeless person and possibly more if we included his family,” said Judge Pierre Nollet.
For almost 10 years, the city of Laval has had to repeatedly ask the courts for orders due to the excessive accumulation of items inside and outside the residence of one of its citizens, whose name we do not want to name. These piles disturb neighbors and pose a high fire hazard.
In all likelihood, the man in his 40s is suffering from hoarding syndrome, a psychological disorder characterized by difficulty getting rid of possessions that accumulate and significantly clutter the rooms of a house.
However, he was unable to provide medical evidence of his diagnosis in court. The Laval Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) was invited to the hearing but chose not to intervene.
” Still, [le CISSS] so should get involved [monsieur] receives appropriate diagnosis and care. Without this step, there is a risk that the city’s otherwise legitimate demands will lose their roof. [monsieur] », explained Judge Nollet in his recent ruling.
The judge goes on to mention that the health system has failed him.
Absent
The CISSS de Laval said it could not comment on the situation due to the confidentiality of user files, but confirmed that it had been informed of the request.
“As there were no allegations against the CISSS in the application, no conclusions against the CISSS were sought and considered […] “Due to limited resources within the legal department, we have decided not to be present,” the email communications department mentioned.
Crowded house
Judge Pierre Nollet ordered the forty-year-old to remove garbage from the inside and outside of his house within ten days. Additionally, foul garbage, malodorous substances, fossil fuel materials, and brush that pose an unusual fire hazard must be removed.
According to photos taken by city staff during an inspection last May, the home’s garage is filled to more than 90% of its total volume and its floor is invisible.
The basement of the residence during a visit by city inspectors on August 24. Photo submitted in court
The three bedrooms on the second floor are difficult to access due to the clutter. The refrigerator is full of food waste. And in the basement bathroom, even the bathtub is filled with all sorts of items, as we can see in photos taken by city inspectors filed in court.
If the resident of Laval does not comply with the orders issued, the city can have them carried out at its own expense to carry out the clearing out.
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