Residents of nine properties in Halifax’s north end fear they may be losing their homes after receiving word on Wednesday their non-profit housing society intends to sell them.
Harbour City Homes, also known as City of Halifax Non-Profit Housing Society, put up “for sale” signs on Thursday at six properties it owns on Brunswick Street and three on Artz Street.
But they weren’t up for long. Angry at the prospect of having their tight-knit community taken from them, residents tore the signs down.
“The way they’re treating all us tenants here, it’s the worst thing I’ve experienced in my 76 years of living. It really is,” said resident Gerald Bowden.
Bowden has called Brunswick Street home for 36 years, and it’s currently home to two other generations of his family.
“This has hit me pretty bad. Extremely bad,” Bowden said.
“To sit down and wonder where I’m going to go — and not only me, my neighbours. I mean, they’re wonderful people.”
The neighbours, who say they have become like family over the years, have responded to their homes being put on the market by contacting local politicians and seeking out legal advice.
“So they sell the property, what happens to us? How long do we have to get out, in case the new owners don't want us there?” said resident Jennifer Conrad.
Harbour City Homes declined an on-camera interview with CTV News, but says their board of directors approved the sale in order to raise capital to fix up its other 22 properties.
“It’s really disheartening, and it’s sad to see this community that I've come to love — it’s going to be gone,” said resident Deb Key.
In a statement, Service Nova Scotia said the tenants have “immediate tenure” and can’t be arbitrarily evicted.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelly Linehan
