White v. British Columbia Housing Management Commission dba BC Housing
This action alleged that an affordable-housing complex for Indigenous families and children in Nanaimo, BC failed to meet basic standards for health and safety.
The claims of the Class were resolved in a settlement with BC Housing.
Under the Sanala settlement agreement:
- All of the residents of Sanala were re-homed by BC Housing into safe, clean, and healthy housing in a manner which minimized disruption to their lives and community.
- BC Housing paid for relocation of Sanala residents, their related expenses, and for possessions damaged by conditions at Sanala.
- Former residents retain the right to bring personal injury claims if they develop medical conditions attributed or attributable to living at Sanala.
- A Restorative Engagement Committee consisting of Avize lawyer Raj Sahota, a representative of BC Housing, and representative plaintiff / former Sanala resident Kari White shall meet quarterly for two years to discuss improvements to BC Housing policies and strategies.
BC Housing also issued the following apology:
British Columbia Housing Management Commission (BC Housing) purchased King Arthur Court in Nanaimo with the intention of developing it into safe, affordable and quality housing for Indigenous people and their families. The existing structure was renovated so that it could be occupied while waiting for redevelopment of the property. The housing facility, known as Sanala, was managed by Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre Society.
As a result of concerns raised by residents of Sanala and their legal counsel, Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota, LLP [now Avize Law Group], BC Housing became aware that living conditions at Sanala were inadequate. BC Housing acknowledges that the renovations were not sufficient to create appropriate living conditions and apologizes to the residents of Sanala for being subjected to substandard living conditions. The problems that were experienced at Sanala were not the fault of Sanala residents. BC Housing has taken steps to correct the harm caused to Sanala residents and has relocated Sanala residents to better accommodation throughout Nanaimo.
BC Housing remains committed to providing quality, affordable housing for British Columbians. The Sanala complex will be demolished as part of development of the Te’Tuxwtun housing complex. All former Sanala residents who are eligible for affordable housing will be provided with the option to return to the newly developed Te’Tuxwtun homes once construction is complete.
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