The Alward Place Tenants Association would like to reassure residents of Alward Place and the public that we do not live under fear of repercussions from Northern Health concerning issues at Alward Place.
Quite the opposite is true. The Association works with the staff from Northern Health to deal with problems that come up. The Us vs. Them attitude is counter productive and has no place in serious discussions on issues.
During the recent hot spell, one resident called a meeting to discuss what avenues were available to help mitigate the problem of excess heat for the benefit of all members.
Northern Health attended the meeting and together we discussed our options. Many residents wanted the windows replaced - however, the windows were changed two years ago to bring them up to code and changing them is not an option. Black-out curtains were discussed; people want to see out. Scratch that. Window film - too expensive and needs changing. Air conditioners were talked about but the cost for most was prohibitive. Fans ended up being the best way to circulate the air in suites.
Northern Health went to WalMart that afternoon and made a deal for a price reduction on stand up fans. The residents of Alward Place continue to have full co-operation from Northern Health.
The inference that residents were afraid to speak out at Alward Place is untrue. There are plenty of suggestions made every day about issues that we need to address.
The Citizen article on August 8 by Peter James, while well instituted, used the fictitious name Joanne. One of our residents shares the same name and many people attributed the statements printed to her. We would suggest making sure a fictitious name is fictitious.
Most of the residents of Alward Place have found a way of dealing with the excess heat and were offended by the suggestion that Northern Health was Mickey Mouse in their attention to the matter. Heat management is the responsibility of the tenant during heat spell not the of the landlord.
Thank you to Jonathon Dyck, Northern Health spokesperson, for his assurance the Northern Healthy is still exploring options.
It is our sincere hope that in the future The Citizen contact the Alward Place Tenants Association 100-2121 6th Ave. V2M 1L9 to discuss issues concerning Alward Place and not rely on people who, wrongly, fear repercussions.
Warren Shaw
President
Alward Tenants Association.
