Lambert Village sets record straight on mould hearsay

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

One of Strathmore’s independent living complexes is dealing with the consequences of rumours circulating around town, making it difficult for units to sell, placing added financial strain on seniors, and costing nearly half-a-million dollars in construction and inspections – all for a clean bill of health.
The rumour claims the 30-year-old Lambert Village building is covered in mould, which was the real reason for last year’s construction. As a result, realtors say the rumour is making it difficult to sell seven units currently on the market, some of which have been listed for a couple years.
“The market’s not wonderful but those units in there are priced so well and I think the rumour has a lot to do with it,” said Carol Warawa, with CIR Realty who’s been trying to sell one of the units for two years.
“As far as I’m concerned they went above and beyond to make sure everything was OK. Unfortunately, I think, that rumour has played havoc with sales in there and I don’t know what the answer is.”
Warawa currently has a listing of a one bedroom condominium for $125,000 with additional $422 monthly fees that cover heat, water, sewer and cable. Hayley Poirier, with REPs Group – Re/Max First, who is not representing one of the units for sale, is unaware of the rumour, but recognizes that condominiums are a harder sell in today’s market.
Last year, the independent living complex underwent numerous life cycle upgrades with the replacement of the roof, siding and landscaping. While there was a leak found under some of the siding that caused the siding to rot, an inspection by Integra Inspection Services reported there was no structural damage and no mould was identified anywhere in or around the building. According to Joe Bratton, administrator at Lambert Village, the air quality was also tested and results showed no issues.
“It’s all good, and it’s a rumour,” said Lorraine Beard, who’s been living in her unit for just over three years. “I’m happy here and I love my place. I keep saying they have to take me out of here in a bag, because I’m not leaving.”
But for several former residents who found placements in assisted living facilities and other senior housing, such as AgeCare Sagewood, the bills are piling up with payments required on their new residences while also continuing to dish out up to $500 in condo fees at Lambert Village. In an email correspondence, one of the realtors informed the board about the rumour, stating it was having an effect on clients even wanting to view the units.
“The bad part is that because they’re privately owned, the people who have moved out still have to pay the condo fees, so it’s financially strenuous for them because they’re paying in two places,” said Lucie Fiedler, secretary treasurer of the board at Lambert Village.
The three-storey building was constructed in 1996 and houses 40 units. While the units were only sold to those 65 years and older in the past, the age limit was recently lowered to 50. Bratton also said the condo fees haven’t been raised for over three years.
“We’ve gotten a lot of work done lately in upgrades, just like any building, and we have pictures and inspection reports and everything that came back saying all is well,” said Bratton. “I came here about three-and-a-half years ago and there were five units for sale and they sold that first year I was here. There’s about seven on the market right now.”
However, for now, units continue to remain empty.