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.
Don't tell Elsa Nomeland you can't go home again. The spirited 93-year-old planned to move back into the Hemlock Apartments over the weekend, more than three years after a devastating blaze struck the retirement home. "It's been a long wait, but you know, it was such a shock when the fire broke out," said Nomeland. "A lot of (former Hemlock residents) were just hoping we'd get in much sooner, but it all takes time. So we're looking forward to it, that's for sure." With construction all but complete, the rebuilt facility is ready for tenants after some 11 months and $2.2 million worth of work. Leases for the 20 suites began taking effect on Saturday. "I'm sort of excited about it," said Francis Oliver, 86, who called Hemlock home for 22 years and plans to move back later this month. Both Oliver and Nomeland relocated to Rotary Court as the process of rebuilding Hemlock gradually moved from planning phase to construction. "It will be so nice to be under one roof again," commented Nomeland. The complex combines a new south wing with a renovated north section. The former section was left beyond repair and demolished, while the latter sustained smoke and water damage. It features 19 one-bedroom suites, one two-bedroom suite and a cozy lounge where residents and visitors can mingle. The most prominent feature missing at this point is an elevator. The appropriate company has encountered a labour disruption, and it's not known when the project will be complete. Despite that setback, the seniors Ð both new and former residents of Hemlock Ð are anxious to settle in. And they're not the only ones smiling. "I'm just really glad it's finally opening," said Mayor Dennis Ballard. "The only other thing I'd say is, 'Thank God,' because we need (seniors) housing here." The mayor said the reopening "will take a little bit of the load off," but added that more housing will be required. Matt Frizzell of the Manitoba Housing Authority, the public agency that operates the apartments, was also gratified. See 'Rehousing' P.# Con't from P.# "Manitoba Housing is happy to be able to have the building reopened and start rehousing our tenants," he said from his Winnipeg office. "I know it's been a long time coming. We're certainly glad it's back up and running." The optimism surrounding the project overshadows the shock and sense of loss within the community after the June 2002 fire struck. An investigation by the RCMP and the Office of the Fire Commissioner indicated that contractors working at the site were inadvertently at the root of the flames. The specifics of the actions that sparked the blaze were not released. Now that a new facility has risen from the ashes, there has been talk of a grand opening ceremony, but Frizzell said nothing is confirmed. For now, attention is focused on ensuring the residents of the Hemlock Apartments enjoy a smooth transition. That's something that doesn't worry Nomeland in the least. "It's like going home," she said.
