More than a dozen households and several businesses in Montreal’s Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) neighbourhood were abruptly displaced after officials ordered an emergency evacuation due to severe structural concerns in an apartment building. Tenants said they received only a few hours’ notice on Wednesday night informing them they needed to vacate by Thursday morning, leaving many scrambling for temporary housing and support.
Confusion filled the lobby as residents packed essentials and tried to make arrangements. Many initially doubted the legitimacy of the notice until city inspectors and firefighters arrived, installed fencing around the entrance, and went door-to-door to all 16 units, informing occupants the building was unsafe and had to be emptied immediately.
Read More: Massive Arctic Storm to Blanket Much of the U.S. in Snow and Ice
The evacuation also affected popular ground-floor businesses, including Monkland Taverne, Old Orchard Pub and Rockaberries, all of which were forced to shut down and move perishable goods on short notice.
In a statement, building owner Elfaco Management said it had recently discovered multiple deficiencies and brought in engineers to assess the structure. The company stated that safety was its top priority and that it learned of the building’s risks at the same time as residents.
Interim NDG mayor Sonny Moroz said the borough acted quickly after tenant complaints. Within 48 hours, Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce officials ordered a preventive evacuation to ensure public safety. All displaced tenants are being supported by the Montréal Municipal Housing Office, and a counter-assessment is underway to determine when — or if — it will be safe to return.
City officials are continuing to evaluate the building while helping residents and businesses relocate. Shop owners had to urgently move thousands of dollars’ worth of desserts and fresh food to avoid losses, while employees at neighbouring businesses scrambled to salvage inventory.
Among the displaced are seniors and families with young children, all left with minimal information about how long the evacuation will last. Many residents say they are frustrated by the lack of clarity and anxious about the uncertain timeline for returning home.
Rising temperatures and habitat loss threaten plant species worldwide, impacting ecosystems and huma
Many Haiti football fans say high costs and US travel restrictions are stopping them from attending
Around 40,000 residents in Southern California were ordered to evacuate after a dangerous chemical t
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed the Indian government removed the group’s websi
