Future uncertain for Vernon mobile home park residents as power is cut

The remaining residents of a Vernon mobile home park have no power after a provincial regulator followed through with plans to cut the connection to a dangerous electrical system.

Crown Villa Mobile Home Park has received multiple warnings and legal orders since 2021, culminating with an April 10 deadline from Technical Safety BC. The owner was ordered last December to finally fix it or risk losing power, which has now also come with a $36,000 fine, according to the regulator.

“Despite ample opportunity and clear deadlines, the owner has consistently failed to make the required repairs, resulting in further deterioration of the electrical equipment posing greater safety risks,” a Technical Safety BC news release reads.

Owner Carol Goldstone, who also lives on the property, told iNFOnews.ca she was in talks with a potential business partner to have the aged electrical system fixed. Technical Safety BC said she hasn’t produced any evidence to show steps were taken to meet its demands.

“In British Columbia, property owners are legally responsible for maintaining a safe site and ensuring all electrical hazards are corrected, regardless of the housing designation or financial capacity. Our standards for safety do not change based on income or housing situation; all people in British Columbia deserve access to a safe environment,” Technical Safety BC said.

After the regulator handed down its repair deadline, the Residential Tenancy Branch also used that report in its evidence to fine Goldstone $55,000. Years earlier, she was also ordered to pay Interior Health $20,000 after it replaced an ageing septic system Goldstone hadn’t repaired.

A resident who spoke with iNFOnews.ca said she and her family were looking for somewhere else to live, likely in Kelowna, accepting they would have to leave the mobile home they own behind.

Other residents have planned to stay in their homes despite the lack of power and running water.

“Our hearts go out to the residents of Crown Villa. We understand the profound stress and hardship this situation is causing, and we want to assure the community that this action was not taken lightly,” Technical Safety BC said.