Local News
Portage Avenue apartment evacuated due to severe structural issues
Dozens of cars, vans and moving trucks lined Portage Avenue Thursday evening after residents of Birchwood Terrace were ordered to vacate their apartment building. The City of Winnipeg issued an order to the property owner of 2440 Portage Avenue this evening to immediately vacate the building due to its unsafe condition. "We were recently notified of a third-party engineering inspection of the building that uncovered severe deterioration of its structure in various locations, necessitating the vacate order," said the City in a press release. City officials went door to door to let tenants know they had to vacate. "It’s a nightmare," said one resident. I just spent almost 8 hours packing up our lives. I can’t believe this is happening." A reception centre has also been set up to help residents who do not have access to temporary accommodations. It is unclear how long it will take to complete repairs. However, it's anticipated it could take several months. No one will be able to enter the property until the City determines that it is safe. Neighbouring properties along Assiniboine Avenue have also been put on an evacuation watch and told to prepare to evacuate if needed.