Right now, there are seniors trapped in Bonik Tower, a 16-floor apartment building in New Sudbury.
The only two elevators that service the building, geared specifically to seniors, have been shut down by the fire department due to disrepair.
It’s been that way since at least April 28, but the sources we spoke with told us one elevator has been out for almost a year, and the other has always been spotty at best.
That means 11 days and counting for those without the ability to climb multiple flights of stairs, stuck without a way out of their apartment.
Though both the City of Greater Sudbury’ communications department and fire services tell Sudbury.com no one has needed rescue as yet, the city confirmed a resident had to be carried up the stairs by the paramedics as they were unable to get to their apartment.
Sudbury.com received two anonymous complaints and spoke with two sources who wished to stay off the record for fear of losing housing for themselves or their loved one.
They spoke of tenants without family or friends not able to access any necessities, and that several of the younger tenants have pitched in to bring necessities, especially medications, to those who can’t get out.
It’s also become an issue for paying rent, said one source. They provided a photo they said is from the office door of the building manager, Bocan Enterprises noting that if rent is not paid electronically — which many seniors are unable to do — it must be delivered to the office during a two-hour window between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on May 5, when both elevators had been out for six days.
The building is owned by Bon-Star Inc., which lists as its director Bozidar Nikolic. The company that manages the building is Bocan Enterprises, which lists as directors Bozidar Nikolic and Boban Nikolic.
It was Boban Nikolic who returned Sudbury.com’s call to Bocan Enterprises about the elevator.
“I’ll only comment off the record,” he said strongly.
When Sudbury.com stated our preference for a statement on the record, he again said “I want to comment off the record,” before immediately saying “we're doing our utmost to get these elevators running, and we are waiting on the elevator contractor.” Though Sudbury.com again asked if he wished to make an on-the-record statement, he declined.
Greater Sudbury Fire Services Deputy Chief Jesse Oshell confirmed to Sudbury.com that they had shut down the elevator due to safety concerns and that they continually check on the status of the elevator, as well as to confirm that the stairwells are free from obstacles in case of emergency.
“We just continue to work with the building owner and property manager to ensure that it's getting rectified,” he said. “And those residents, I'm sure, are struggling.”
He said fire services would also assist Greater Sudbury Paramedics if there were any medical reasons.
As far as municipal regulations regarding elevator use, the city said the complaints they have received are all being treated as one active case.
One anonymous source claimed they were told there were 16 similar active complaints about the issue, but the city would not confirm an exact number.
“The city places the highest priority on safeguarding the well-being of its residents. By-law Services is aware of the situation. While they are unable to comment on the specifics of ongoing matters, the division actively investigates property standards concerns and, when appropriate, issues a Property Standards Order with a defined timeline for compliance,” said Mike Bleskie, city communications and engagement advisor, in a statement.
“Fire Services has not responded to the building for an emergency incident and has no concerns regarding reduced response time. Fire Services and EMS have only attended to provide assistance with a non-emergency lift assist.”
However, the four sources tell Sudbury.com that even the smallest of tasks, like taking a walk or obtaining groceries, is out of reach for many of the tenants, especially those on the upper floors of the 16-floor building.
With no more answers from the building owner or manager, it is unclear how long the tenants will be trapped without elevators.
Jenny Lamothe covers vulnerable and marginalized populations, as well as housing issues and the justice system for Sudbury.com