River Valley Park residents have until spring to find new homes

Residents of River Valley Park, situated north of the Sault, have until early spring 2018 to make new living arrangements.

That from Algoma Public Health (APH) after the trailer park’s owners have repeatedly failed to comply with orders to replace the park’s faulty sewage system.

The decision comes after several extensions given to Toronto-based River Valley Park owner Harjeet Dusanjh to make the repairs deemed necessary by APH.

“The compliance date for the order issued on June 8, 2017 will not be extended beyond Nov. 1, 2017,” APH stated in an update provided to SooToday.

“Efforts to replace the failed sewage system at River Valley Park have not been successful despite the extensions granted. Pumping the tanks was a temporary measure to protect people and the environment. The park cannot continue to operate without a functioning sewage system,” stated Jon Bouma, APH environmental health and communicable disease control manager, in an email sent to SooToday Thursday.

“Although the owner of the park is not receiving an extension on the order, Algoma Public Health will allow residents to make living arrangements until early spring 2018,” APH stated.

Approximately 35 families would be affected by the park’s closure.

As reported earlier by SooToday, Dusanjh told residents he was committed to fixing the sewage system at an emergency meeting in August, but complained Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) red tape was standing in his way.

Earlier in August trailer park residents faced with losing their homes attended an information session at the Delta in Sault Ste. Marie, in which emergency housing options were presented to them by the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Assistance Board (DSSMSSAB).

The board told residents they would be assisted if they are displaced by the park’s closure and need housing in the Sault. 

Residents were told those in need of housing would have to fill out an application for DSSMSSAB to review, and, while waiting, some of them were told they may have to go to shelters such as St. Vincent Place or Pauline’s Place.

“This in no way prevents plans going forward with replacing the system. If replacement of the sewage system is underway in early spring 2018, we may reconsider at that time,” APH stated Thursday.

“While the park is occupied, the owner is still required by the order to maintain services and protect people from exposure to sewage,” APH wrote.