Seven Laval families found themselves on the street last Friday due to their housing being completely ransacked by a tenant who wanted to build an underground shelter.
The clandestine work of the culprit, Alexandre Richard, weakened the structure of the building which became dangerous for the safety of residents who were forced to leave their homes urgently.
Some have been taken care of by the Red Cross and others are staying with family or friends.
For several months already, tenants had complained to the landlord because they heard noise late at night.
They also sent photos of the man transporting wheelbarrows of earth, which aroused suspicion and also sowed concern among the neighbors.
Nightmares
Despite the departure of the problematic tenant, it was a devastated owner who commented on the situation on LCN yesterday.
“It’s disastrous, it’s a home that’s destroyed. I’ve been in there for three days, I’m [ai] has nightmares, confided Stéphane Dion.
Perforated walls, torn floors and unsanitary rooms: Mr. Dion estimates that the renovation work will cost several thousand dollars.
“Where are the rights of the owners,” he asked after months of proceedings.
Charges
The project to transform the premises would have started several months ago.
In fact, last March the owner noticed a first loading of earth outside the building and the construction of a small shed.
The delinquent tenant also allegedly contravened several building regulations.
This is what motivated the owner to open a file with the Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL). The main person involved in this case, however, did not appear when summoned by the Court.
It was last fall that the owner was able to enter the accommodation where he noticed the extent of the damage: a new floor hiding the existence of work to build a “bunker” type shelter.
A new visit to the apartment accompanied by the Police Department of the City of Laval (SPL) was possible last week in order to evict Alexandre Richard who was arrested on January 4.
The man now faces three charges, including careless storage of a firearm. Since his arrest, he has remained in custody and is expected to appear at the courthouse on Monday.
