The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Water leakage may prompt the Manitoba government to tear down and rebuild the Hemlock Drive low-income apartments. While all suites at 4 Hemlock Drive have undergone work this year following water damage, Manitoba Housing says it may not be enough. '...we are not certain that a repair to the ice damming problem is feasible, and are investigating further with the consulting engineer,' the department said in a statement to The Reminder. 'Manitoba Housing is considering all options, including rebuilding 4 Hemlock.' Ice damming occurs when snow on a building melts and refreezes, eventually causing water to leak inside as the weather grows warmer. Instances of ice damming, condensation and water infiltration were discovered at 4 Hemlock earlier this year. Beginning in late March, Manitoba Housing removed affected walls, flooring and ceilings from the building's 14 suites. The interiors have yet to be repaired. Due to the uncertainty of the situation, the department could not say when the interiors will be repaired or if 4 Hemlock will even remain standing. Same work Across the way, at 2 Hemlock, a government housing complex for seniors, the same work was required in a dozen suites. Work is now underway at 2 Hemlock to repair the interiors, as the building was deemed salvageable. Tender documents are being prepared to start work on crawlspace and air barrier repairs at 2 Hemlock. Manitoba Housing expects this will resolve long-standing moisture and humidity problems. The department said an assessment of both buildings was conducted by a consulting engineer, with results received in early June. As The Reminder reported last week, the work at the buildings has caused inconvenience and frustration among tenants. 'We recognize that it is inconvenient to live in accommodations with interior walls removed or under major repairs,' Manitoba Housing said. 'Tenants are invited to raise safety concerns with property management staff, and they will be addressed. One option may be to offer alternate accommodation as permitted by vacancies in other Manitoba Housing properties.' The Hemlock apartment buildings both opened in 1977. A 2002 blaze destroyed a portion of 2 Hemlock. It was rebuilt in 2005.
