Disgusting BC Housing says Vancouver mother, kids should return to roach-infested unit

In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Alicia Williams has launched a petition to urge BC Housing to address the cockroach infestations plaguing her apartment at the MacLean Park complex. Now in a hotel with her five children, Williams alleges that the unsanitary conditions have led to health issues for her prematurely born baby, particularly respiratory problems. Despite her providing BC Housing with doctor’s notes and videos showcasing the persistent pest problem, officials assert that the unit remains habitable. Williams has sought a transfer to a different unit but has been denied, prompting her petition to gain support from 20 other residents facing similar challenges. Other tenants have reported distressing experiences with infestations, including one resident who found ants on her clothing.

BC Housing claims to have treated several units since September, acknowledging tenant concerns while maintaining that the situation does not warrant further action. The ongoing conflict raises pressing questions about tenant safety and housing standards in subsidized housing. Williams emphasizes her need for stability for her children, particularly as the holiday season approaches.