I have read a few articles and comments in regards to the boarding house at 597 Winnipeg St. called the Winnipeg Manor. I believe what Dennis Hildebrand has done to this house and by helping out people that truly need assistance, is to be commended.
Seems to me that since Dennis bought this house the exterior is looking better than it has in a long time. I can’t say the same for the interior, but it seems like the tenants have no issues.
From what Dennis has said, he has changed the inside and is making the house more safe and hygienic. I can see the city’s side in that this boarding house needs to be up to code for safety standards. But to continually charge $600 daily for infractions so that the bill is now reaching $20,000 is absolutely arrogant, unbelievable, ludicrous and totally shocking to me.
Perhaps the city should work with Dennis on this as he is providing a service and place for these tenants that have nowhere to turn to. Would the city rather see these people on the streets? The money the city expects to reap could be better spent on bringing the safety issues up to code and working towards a mutual agreement to satisfy everyone. There is not enough low-income-type housing here in Penticton. Look at Kelowna with the housing unit called Willowbridge. Now that is something Kelowna can be proud of. Why don’t we have something like that here?
I would say the people working for the city in these departments have never been down and out or had to wonder where they will sleep, or how they are going to pay rent and expenses when they aren’t able to work or are unable to find employment.
I say the city should listen to the tenants that currently reside at Winnipeg Manor. Also, stop charging such outrageous fees.
Diane Brown
Penticton