Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza met with residents at Oak Tree Towers again on Thursday, and he explains the government has yet to provide lasting safety at Oak Tree Towers, despite major spending.
Security was still onsite at the apartment complex this past Thursday, but it's a day-by-day situation without any indication of what day it might end or continue.
"We come today to check to see because the security contract supposedly was over on the fourth of June. What a coincidence, right after the session closes," says Bereza.
He notes the government claims it has invested five million dollars into the building, but core safety issues remain unresolved.
"They put cameras in here. The people who have been caught on camera are still running around this building. So, really, what has been done?"
Residents feel the safety has improved about 50 per cent with security officers compared to what it has been like for three years now.
Illegal activity continues to threaten residents’ safety.
"There are a number of people here who are dealing drugs. There’s prostitution going on in here and other illegal activities."
He adds that without 24-hour security and removing those behind the crime, the situation will not improve.
"If you get rid of that, you eliminate the problem. And I don’t know why the government does not see the amount of money that it's costing for police, for ambulance services."
Bereza says the building is directly tied to serious crimes in the community.
"The person who was charged with murder of the double homicide here in Portage la Prairie was taken out of this building. So, again, these people, how can they feel safe?"
Vulnerable tenants feel trapped and unsafe
He adds some residents have already abandoned their homes.
"We've got a person who has just moved in that is saying that he's now moving back into his car because he doesn't feel safe," says Bereza.
He stresses that Oak Tree Towers houses people with few other options.
"The government is taking advantage of these people who really don't have options because this is a place for lower-income people. It is for people who have vulnerable issues."
Bereza says staff also face danger.
"Home Care people have to work in tandem here because one of them was assaulted."
New gazebo seen as empty gesture amid ongoing risks
The MLA questions the government’s decision to make cosmetic improvements like adding a gazebo.
"It would be wonderful if the people who lived here felt comfortable and safe to use the gazebo. But why not fix the problem first before looking at making improvements that no one is going to use?"
He vows to continue advocating for residents.
"The government can keep telling me that I'm not doing the right thing. The Minister's job is to make sure that these people are living in safe environments, and they're not."
Residents fear what happens when security leaves
Tenant Gail Pettit says the threat of losing security is terrifying.
"I'm scared that once the security leaves, that is going to go worse than it is now," says Pettit. "It's calmed down since security's been here."
Pettit reports repeated incidents of drug activity.
"In the three suites upstairs, there are mobs of people. There are s people at the door all the time. We're getting sworn at, we're getting threatened. It's ridiculous."
She adds that several longtime tenants have already left or are considering leaving due to fear.
"We've had one tenant who has been here for years. He's already moved out. We've got another tenant that's been here for years and he's thinking, too. He's special needs and I guess he just doesn't want to put up with it anymore."
Pettit says answers about ongoing security remain uncertain.
"We're not sure. We're hoping they are, but we haven't had any answers yet. Security doesn't even know what's going on right now."
Cottage residents feel unsafe even during the day
Cheryl McPherson, who lives nearby in one of the cottages, says crime has now spread into surrounding areas.
"I am concerned about all the crap going on in the back of my cottage," says McPherson. "All the biking and screaming at three, four o'clock in the morning."
She fears the new gazebo will only make things worse.
"It's just an invitation for all the criminals in here to use drugs right in front of my place."
McPherson says even with security present, she remains terrified to leave her home.
"I will not go out during the day without him (her husband), and I will not go out at night without him because I'm terrified."
The sleepless nights and exposure to drug paraphernalia have taken a toll.
"I am not sleeping because of all the noise out back, all the fighting that goes on. One time, a while ago, he found syringes and two condoms under my bedroom window."
She recalls having to report discarded needles to police.
"There were about four or five needles still in a package and open. I flagged down the RCMP officer. They just told me to put the needle in the van."
Grief, frustration and desperation build
She says some residents are now discussing stronger action.
"Some of the people here in the building, if something isn't done, they're all gonna get together and hold the rat back. I've heard them talk about it, that these guys should take up a pick at the front of the building and say, look, we want these guys out."
McPherson adds her fear remains constant.
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