Every individual deserves access to safe and dignified housing. In White v. BC Housing, we represented residents of the Sanala apartment complex in Nanaimo, BC, who were forced to endure deplorable living conditions.
Spearheaded by our representative plaintiff, Kari White, this class action was brought under the Class Proceedings Act to hold BC Housing accountable for years of substandard housing. On November 14, 2023, the Supreme Court of British Columbia certified the proceeding for settlement purposes.
Background of the Case
Sanala was intended to provide affordable housing for Indigenous individuals and families. Instead, residents faced chronic infestations (including cockroaches, rats, and bedbugs), mold, water ingress, dangerous electrical and plumbing systems, and a host of other structural deficiencies. The claims advanced included negligence, breaches of the Occupiers’ Liability Act, and violations of Sections 7 and 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These conditions not only created unsafe living environments but also undermined the dignity and well-being of a vulnerable population.
Negotiating a Settlement That Respects Community Needs
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Kari White and our legal team chose a path of resolution that prioritized compensation, systemic change, and respect for the Sanala community. After extensive negotiations, a proposed settlement was reached in September 2022. The settlement included over $293,000 in compensation already paid by BC Housing to class members covering relocation expenses, damaged belongings, heat treatment, and administrative costs.
In addition to financial compensation, BC Housing committed to:
- Reimbursing residents for all utility deposits made to third-party providers;
- Contributing $50,000 to a new Community Facilities Fund to build a playground and commemorative plaque on the redeveloped Sanala site;
- Issuing a formal public apology acknowledging its failure to provide adequate housing; and
- Establishing a Restorative Engagement Committee to review and recommend improvements to BC Housing’s policies over a two-year period, with participation from former residents.
Protecting the Right to Future Legal Remedies
Importantly, the settlement preserves the right of class members to pursue personal injury claims if they later receive a diagnosis linked to their time at Sanala. The agreement also ensures that limitation periods for such claims will begin only upon diagnosis, safeguarding the legal rights of residents whose health may have been compromised by long-term exposure to unsafe conditions. This ensures that those harmed will not be denied justice simply because the symptoms of injury appear later in life.
Creating Lasting Change
Beyond compensation, White v. BC Housing is about lasting change. With Kari White serving as a member of the Restorative Engagement Committee, the settlement creates a platform for former residents to have a direct say in improving future housing policy. The public acknowledgment of harm, the symbolic playground, and the formal apology are vital components of healing and institutional accountability.
Our Commitment to Housing Justice
At Avize, we’re proud to stand with marginalized communities and fight for equitable treatment, especially when public institutions fall short of their responsibilities. White v. BC Housing demonstrates our commitment to securing not just financial redress but also structural reform and human dignity.
If you or someone you know has been harmed by substandard housing or government negligence, we’re here to help. Contact our team to learn more about your legal options and how we can support your pursuit of justice.