West Edmonton seniors displaced by flooding at care home
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Dozens of seniors in West Edmonton have been displaced after flooding at the Villa Marguerite assisted living facility.
- Residents report being moved to communal areas, sleeping on mattresses, and facing difficulties accessing limited washrooms.
- The facility's operator is coordinating individualized relocation plans while implementing temporary measures and assessing repair timelines.
Dozens of seniors in West Edmonton are sleeping on mattresses on the floor after a violent storm flooded their assisted living facility. Rainwater poured through the windows of Villa Marguerite on Friday evening, forcing 43 residents from their basement units. Many now occupy the building's chapel and recreation areas, facing challenges due to mobility issues and limited access to washrooms.
I got really grumpy and then I started crying and thatโs not right. You know, I donโt pay $2,700 to cry.
Residents describe the difficult conditions. Shannon Jackson, who pays $2,700 monthly, expressed distress, stating, "I got really grumpy and then I started crying and thatโs not right." David Burbridge reported at least 10 inches of water in his room, rendering his furnishings unusable.
In my room there was at least 10 inches of water throughout the whole room so all my furnishings are pretty much garbage.
Park Place Seniors Living, which operates Villa Marguerite, acknowledged the "difficult and stressful experience" for residents and families. A spokesperson stated that residents remaining at the facility continue to receive care while relocation plans are finalized. Temporary arrangements were made during the emergency, intended as a short-term solution. Assisted Living Alberta, which oversees the facility, confirmed that beds have been delivered for temporary accommodations and plans are underway for more private spaces. They are also taking precautionary measures for forecasted rainfall and determining timelines for restoration and repairs.
Residents who remain at Villa Marguerite continue to receive care, support, and supervision from our dedicated team while individualized relocation plans are finalized.
Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.