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At 12:00 p.m. on July 7, Southwestern Public Health issued a Section 13 Order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to close Walnut Manor in St. Thomas due to the existence of significant health hazards. As a result, residents were required to vacate the premises, effective immediately.
The Order was advised in consultation with agencies at the municipal and provincial levels, including St. Thomas Fire Department, City of St. Thomas, Ministry of Labour, Training and Development, and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office.
Southwestern Public Health conducted a series of inspections on June 3, 11, 22, 29, and July 6 that revealed ongoing violations at the site, including extensive mould contamination, rodent and bed bug infestations, sanitation issues, and a lack of hot running water. This location has a history of public health violations with progressive enforcement actions taken over the past several years.
“This was an unfit, unsafe environment for living, and not at the standard expected of a supportive living facility. Each of these individuals deserves to live in a home that is healthy and safe,” says Peter Heywood, Program Director, Environmental Health at Southwestern Public Health.
Local municipal and community services are currently leading temporary relocation efforts for residents. This will ensure a safe and healthy environment for Walnut Manor’s residents until the violations are addressed.
“It is very unfortunate that Walnut Manor, a place called home to several residents in our community, has deteriorated to the poor health conditions which have been identified by Southwestern Public Health. The City certainly stands behind Southwestern Public Health in their efforts to correct the situation and most importantly we will do our part to offer the residents every support possible during this time of displacement,” states Mayor Joe Preston.
“The St. Thomas Fire Department remains committed to ensuring the fire safety of our residents especially our most vulnerable,” states Kim Destun, Chief Fire Prevention Officer at the St. Thomas Fire Department. “We will continue to work with the owner/ operators, Public Health and the other enforcement agencies involved as we provide for the health and well being of the residents and staff of Walnut Manor.”
“Our agency realizes the impact this order may have on residents and their families, and understands they might be feeling stressed, angry, or anxious about the closure of Walnut Manor. We are committed to assisting the process of helping the residents find safe long-term housing as well as offering mental health support to those in need,” says Dan Logie, Director of Clinical Services in Elgin County, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Elgin-Middlesex.
Located in the City of St. Thomas, Walnut Manor is a supportive living residence for adults who have physical and mental health challenges.
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