The City of Summerside clarifies its capabilities to assist renters in local mobile home parks amid ongoing challenges with property owners. City council unanimously approved a resolution on Tuesday that specifies the municipality’s role in supporting residents during disputes.

Evergreen Village Crisis Prompts Action

The measure addresses the plight of residents at Evergreen Village, a longstanding mobile home park housing about 57 homes and 200 people. Last year, owner Clifford McQuaid issued eviction notices, intending to sell the land due to deteriorating infrastructure. Provincial officials attempted to purchase the property but failed to reach an agreement.

Coun. Bruce MacDougall emphasized the resolution’s purpose: “This policy basically explains where our hands are tied and where they’re not.” He noted that expropriating the land remains inappropriate. MacDougall warned that “time is running out” for Evergreen Village residents.

Key Support Measures Outlined

The resolution directs the city’s chief administrative officer to consult with affected residents and form an action team to explore housing alternatives. It declares council’s opposition to resident displacement without adequate protections. The mayor and staff must continue advocating with provincial authorities and stakeholders for transparent communication.

Housing policies, tenant protections, and acquisition funding fall under provincial jurisdiction, the resolution affirms. Summerside commits to not financing any park purchase.

Task Force Forms for Solutions

MacDougall revealed that a task force is assembling to aid residents. “These people, you know, in the next couple of months with this eviction hanging over their heads [are] going to have to make some real hard decisions…. They’re probably going to walk away with nothing … and that’s the sad part about this,” he stated. He added, “I don’t think anybody’s been dragging their feet, but it has been moving at a snail’s pace and these residents are really, really concerned and I don’t blame them.”

Challenges Extend Beyond Evergreen

Similar pressures affect Linkletter Estates, owned by Twin Rivers Properties. The company recently offered residents the chance to buy their lots for $12,500 each; otherwise, it plans to sell the land. Twin Rivers CEO Blair van Veld expressed hope for a balanced resolution involving governments, stating he aims to avoid the Evergreen Village scenario for these residents.