Dan Kutcher - Summerside

I just got home from Evergreen Village. On my way out I passed two smiling kids on bikes dodging water filled potholes. Their parents are probably trying to figure out how to break the news about their home.

Official Statement regarding Evergreen Village:

“Evergreen Village is privately owned and operated, and the City is not involved in the ownership, management, or decision-making related to the property. The park’s internal infrastructure, including water and sewer lines and snow removal, are privately owned by Clifford McQuaid, who has allowed the infrastructure to deteriorate to the point that he now claims is beyond repair.

What is happening to the 57 households and their families at Evergreen Village is awful. Mr. McQuaid, has been engaged in predatory, manipulative and hurtful tactics to squeeze the Provincial government for as much money as he can while making the Province have to step in to rescue the park and residents.

Myself, City Council, Minister Ramsay, MLA Hilton MacLellan and two Provincial Housing Ministers have been engaged on this file continuously over the past year. We have met with residents and Mr. McQuaid to try to find a positive resolution to the situation he has created.

I spoke today with Minister Ramsay who confirmed that the Provincial government offered Mr. McQuaid a reasonable price to transfer the park to a not-for-profit agency supported by the Province. Mr. McQuaid refused.

While ultimately this is a private property and dispute, Evergreen residents live in the City of Summerside. They are our neighbors, teachers, veterans, families and friends. Over the past year they have requested that Mayor and Council take whatever action we can on several items to support Evergreen Residents and we have met each request - financial support for legal services, access and assessments of Mr. McQuaid’s infrastructure, ensuring adequate access emergency access and providing support on any and all land use options. The City has also initiated the work needed to establish a new bylaw to try and force predatory landlords to provide more support for vulnerable tenants.

I understand that the residents have also initiated an action with IRAC, and the City has not received any formal application or request for involvement related to this process, but would be happy to provide anything that could support the residents.

While this matter is between the property owner and residents, the City remains concerned for the wellbeing of those impacted and continues to monitor the situation and call out those who should be, do whatever we can within our power and support the residents right to fight for their homes.