Thunder Bay health officials take senior-living building owner to court over code violations

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit moved to court as a last resort, accusing SMS Property Trust Inc. of failing to correct a raft of health-code infractions at the seniors’ residence Vickers Manor, formerly McKellar Place. Inspector Abby Mackie noted that compliance orders were issued on July 8 and July 29 following complaints about excessive indoor temperatures, piled-up garbage and bed-bug infestations, yet the owner, Ongrasothy Masillamany of Markham, did not respond.

Court documents reveal 36 alleged violations of the Health Protection and Promotion Act and multiple fire-code breaches, with a hearing scheduled for Nov. 25 via video link. The building, now listed for $1 after an earlier $18.9 million price tag, has also struggled with unpaid utility bills, prompting volunteers to launch a crowdfunding drive for resident meals. City officials are monitoring the situation and coordinating with community partners, while NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois has written to the provincial housing minister urging the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit to step in and protect tenants from displacement.