The Manwin Hotel in Winnipeg has been suddenly shut down by provincial health inspectors.
A health hazard order was issued Wednesday against the Manwin Hotel on Main Street, near Logan Avenue, due to a lack of heat and water.
A provincial spokesperson said Manitoba Health was contacted about the heat issue and when inspectors arrived they also found the water supply was compromised, which meant the fire sprinkler system was inoperable.
The hotel was immediately closed and will remain that way until the minimum standards listed in the health hazard order are met, the spokesperson said.
“Public health officials use a number of tools to ensure the health and safety of Manitobans, from education to enforcement. However, enforcement only takes place after every possible option is exhausted and there are no other alternatives,” said the spokesperson.
“Before they even consider closing a site such as the Manwin Hotel, they co-ordinate with other departments and agencies to ensure there are alternate accommodation options.”
Representatives from the Manitoba Families Department, along with other officials, are working to find alternative housing for the residents.
Multiple residents were seen going in and out of the building Thursday afternoon.
The spokesperson said some tenants are requiring additional time to move their belonging and have been allowed access to the hotel. It’s expected all residents will have their items removed by Friday at which time only contractors, security and the owner will have access to the site.
No information was provided on how many people were living in the hotel, which has been the site of many violent incidents over the years.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, which is located directly across Main Street from the hotel, sent a health outreach team to the hotel on Wednesday before the doors were locked, a WRHA spokesperson said.
The team met with Manwin residents to assess any health concerns and ensure people had access to medications and other needs.
Space has been made available in the WRHA building for Manwin residents to meet with provincial officials about any concerns, while alternative housing is being sought.
As well, the Residential Tenancies Branch is working with tenants who have questions about compensation or rent refunds.
