The remaining funds from a fundraiser by the City of Langford for displaced RidgeView Place residents is now available to all the former tenants of the building.
Previously, the fundraiser, done in partnership with the Community Social Planning Council (CSPC), was prioritized for residents with the greatest financial need.
In a release, CSPC says 40 households applied through the original stream, and 35 qualified to receive funding. A total of $44,609 was distributed to those households.
Now the remaining amount from the total $76,395.84 raised is available to all the other residents of the building.
In order to be eligible to receive funds applicants only need to provide proof that they were a tenant of the building at the time that the building was evacuated.
CSPC says all 88 households can apply to receive some of the funds, including the 35 who already received funding.
“The Langford Emergency Grant Program, has made a significant impact on the lives of displaced residents,” Scott Goodmanson, mayor of Langford said in a release. “The distribution of remaining funds reflects our commitment to ensuring that all affected households receive support during this challenging time.”
The deadline to apply to receive some of the remaining funds is Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.
“We understand the significance of this support to the affected households, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient distribution process,” added Diana Gibson, executive director of the CSPC. “Together with the City of Langford, we remain dedicated to assisting residents in their journey towards rebuilding and regaining stability.”
This distribution of funds comes months after the residents were displaced on April 25, 2023.
The building was evacuated due to structural concerns brought by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists.
The association has not confirmed what the concerns were, citing privacy issues.
Many tenants have been frustrated that the City of Langford had not compelled Centurion, the company that owns the building, or any other entity to provide the answers, but B.C.’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs confirmed that the city does not have any powers to do so.
“Local governments do not have the authority to compel information from independent private businesses. It’s our expectation that the private building owner, Centurion Apartment Properties Inc., keeps residents appraised of the latest developments with the building,” the ministry told CHEK News on May 10.
“The B.C. Government continues to work with the city of Langford, has provided Emergency Support Services to residents, and is funding a community navigator to support residents with their individual needs.”
READ PREVIOUS:
- April 25: Displaced Langford high-rise residents frustrated over lack of answers, support: ‘We deserve to live there’
- April 26: Who should cover emergency costs for Langford’s RidgeView Place tenants?
- April 27: RidgeView Place tenants insurance deny claims; Centurion offers additional funds
- April 27: ‘I am asking you to please leave’: Langford mayor provides update on RidgeView Place
- April 28: Ridgeview Place tenant worries about financial help that has yet to arrive
- May 2: Langford matching donations up to $75,000 for RidgeView Place tenants
- May 2: Still no timeline for tenants, preschool to return to Langford tower plagued by safety woes
- May 5: Residents from Ridgeview Place to start seeing money from funds today
- May 8: Langford to hold meeting with council for RidgeView tenants
- May 9: Few answers, lots of frustration in Langford’s RidgeView Place meeting
- May 28: Our Langford doles out donated $15,000 for displaced RidgeView Residents
Laura Brougham
