PRINCE GEORGE—Glenn Kovach was born and raised in Prince George. After retiring for over a decade, the clock is ticking for him to find a stable home.
“When Rustad shut their doors. A lot of us lost our homes. So I had to downsize.” said Kovach.
The 58-year old man was served an eviction notice back in mid-December, following a notification from his landlord indicating that he would be selling the property.
I said ‘oh okay.’ so that was a sigh of relief right there. A month ago I paid my rent, the landlord says ‘yeah we sold the place.’ My partner sold it, and I didn’t even know….that didn’t make very well for a decent christmas.” said Kovach.
He was given just over two months time to leave the three-bedroom home that he currently shares with his son and daughter, so that the new buyer could move in. Which under current tenancy laws—is legal.
The father previously owned a home but succumbed to financial hardships after the Rustad Sawmill shut down years ago and lost his job. Living on a pension, he lived at his current residence for just over 10 years; paying rent at a price that right now, would be impossible to find in Prince George.
Kovach’s situation isn’t the only one in Prince George.
“40% of renters in Prince George are spending 30% or more of their income on shelter costs.” said Marlene Morris, Co-director for the Community Development Institute at UNBC.
Morris says in smaller communities like Prince George, situations like Kovach’s can be far worse than in larger cities.
“We did a recent study and looked at 39 communities in BC. In 18 of those communities, tenants are about or more vulnerable than tenants in Vancouver.” said Morris.
She adds that there are programs offered by BC Housing for those who are in market rentals and need help.
“There’s always hope.” said Kovach.
The father says he has just over a month to find a place to live and store his large items that he’s collected over the years. His close friends and family members have helped, but haven’t been successful yet.
“One day at a time.” said Kovach.
