Two weeks after the evacuation, residents and neighbors of Winnipeg's Birchwood Terrace are still reeling.

Construction is currently underway at Birchwood Terrace on Winnipeg's Portage Avenue, after nearly 200 tenants were evacuated after the building was deemed structurally unsound. Many residents, including Des Cappel, were overwhelmed and confused by the situation. Kappel, who is currently living in a hotel, expressed concern for other residents who are facing financial and logistical difficulties as a result of the evacuation. The uncertainty of when they will be able to return to reclaim their property is also a challenge for many.

Ron Krug, a longtime resident of nearby Birchwood Terrace, is also concerned about the situation. Despite being told to prepare for a possible evacuation, he did not receive specific information about what the next steps would be. The lack of communication and uncertainty about the situation creates additional stress for Krug and others in the neighborhood. The City of Winnipeg said there was no update on the status of Birchwood Terrace, but evacuation controls were in place for properties on Assiniboine Crescent.

Kappel said the former residents of Birchwood Terrace are in urgent need of support. He highlighted the need for mental health services, home care for the elderly and financial assistance for the displaced. Lawyer Kathryn DeLay noted that some expenses are recoverable, but Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act does not provide compensation for stress, anxiety or harm to feelings and dignity. Former tenants are encouraged to contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for guidance on their rights and options.

Dilay explained that if the apartments are renovated within a year, former Birchwood Terrace tenants may have a right of first refusal, giving them the option to return if they choose. Financial losses can be recovered by showing the loss through receipts or documents of the items. Struggling with substandard living conditions prior to evacuation, people like Kappel are struggling to come to terms with their current reality. Birchwood Terrace's owner, Ladco Company Limited, did not respond to requests for comment, leaving residents feeling abandoned and uncertain about their future.

Kappel also raised concerns about other properties in the area that appear to be of a similar age and condition to Birchwood Terrace, owned by Ladco Company Limited. Although the City of Winnipeg does not routinely perform structural inspections on properties, it emphasizes that property owners are responsible for maintaining their buildings in a safe condition. The uncertainty and lack of communication from both the owner and the city left residents vulnerable and confused. Efforts are being made to support former Birchwood Terrace residents during this difficult time, but the long-term consequences of the building's structural problems remain unclear. Residents are worried about the fate of their properties and the possibility of finding a new place to call home after this unexpected crisis.