Urgent Eviction Notice Shakes Summerside Trailer Park Residents

UPDATE: Residents of Evergreen Village trailer park in Summerside, P.E.I. face an urgent crisis as they receive a new eviction notice, giving them just one year to vacate their homes. This distressing announcement echoes a similar situation from last year, plunging nearly 200 residents into uncertainty once again.

The eviction notice, delivered on Friday, has sent shockwaves through the community. Park resident Reasha Walsh described the heart-wrenching moment her children learned about the notice: “When the letter came on the door… my kids just crumbled, it was pretty rough.” Families are now grappling with daunting questions about their future, including where they will live and how they will afford the move.

57 homes are now under threat, leaving residents like Steve Walsh feeling desperate. “This is our home… to enjoy life, not getting kicked around like football,” he expressed. The community’s bonds are strong, and residents fear losing not just their homes, but their support systems.

In November 2024, former housing minister Steven Myers had expressed optimism about a potential resolution, stating, “I’m quite confident that we’re going to see the end of it here now before Christmas.” However, the situation has deteriorated since then. The province confirmed that while the property owner proposed a sale price, they rejected the government’s request for an independent fair market evaluation, complicating the situation further.

Moving is not a feasible option for many residents, as Gail Cameron noted, “I don’t think our unit would survive a move anyways. There’s nowhere to go.” The community’s accessibility and support are vital to families, and the thought of disruption is devastating.

The younger residents are also feeling the impact. Ten-year-old Adira Walsh shared her feelings, saying, “I’d be really upset… I wouldn’t want to leave that,” highlighting the emotional toll this situation has on children.

Summerside Mayor Dan Kutcher acknowledged the city’s limitations, emphasizing that housing issues fall under provincial jurisdiction. “It’s not the kind of activity I’d like to see in the community,” he stated, stressing the need to support residents during this turmoil.

For immediate assistance, the provincial government is advising residents to contact Renting PEI and the PEI Residential Rental Office.

As this situation develops, residents and officials are left searching for solutions amid the uncertainty. The lack of communication from the park’s owner regarding the eviction notice raises further concerns about the future of Evergreen Village.

This critical situation in Summerside continues to unfold, and residents are left hoping for a resolution that will allow them to keep their homes and community intact. For ongoing updates, stay tuned as we cover this urgent story.