This decision was not made lightly: City focused on safety of residents at evacuated apartments – Winnipeg [Video]

Winnipeg’s mayor says the city is focused on supporting residents of a Portage Avenue apartment block who were were ordered to vacate Thursday night due to unsafe conditions.

Scott Gillingham spoke to media Friday morning, alongside Jason Shaw, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) deputy chief of emergency management and public information.

“This decision was not made lightly. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of tenants who live in the building,” Gillingham said.

“My heart goes out to the residents of Birchwood Terrace. This is an emotional and difficult time for many of them.”

The building, Birchwood Terrace, was the subject of a recent inspection, which uncovered severe deterioration to columns that support the building, the mayor said.

The 171-unit building, built in the 1960s, is home to more than 200 people.

The timeline for repairs is unknown, but the city said it may take several months to identify the issues.

Residents — who were expected to begin leaving …