Tracey Nicholson was overwhelmed with happiness after waiting for 11 years to secure social housing in Kingston, Ont., and finally moving into an apartment at 381 Bagot St. However, her joy turned to despair as she found herself in a living situation that took a toll on her mental well-being. The conditions inside the building became so unbearable that she resorted to sleeping in her car in a Walmart parking lot during the winter to escape the fear that gripped her inside her apartment.
Despite moving in three and a half years ago, Nicholson still feels unsafe and refuses to sleep in her bedroom, opting instead to stay on the couch where she feels safer in case of a break-in. She described instances of waking up to threats being shouted in the hallway as a common occurrence, leading her to carry naloxone for potential overdoses and a can of coyote spray for protection whenever she ventures outside.
The high-rise building at 381 Bagot St., managed by the Kingston & Frontenac Housing Corporation (KFHC), has been a focal point for emergency services, with numerous police calls and incidents reported. The CEO of KFHC, Mary Lynn Cousins Brame, acknowledged the challenges faced by residents and reassured them that efforts are being made to enhance security, including the installation of an automated locking system starting with their property at 381 Bagot St.
Despite ongoing issues at the building, including drug-related incidents and criminal activities, Cousins Brame emphasized the importance of residents taking responsibility for their own safety by ensuring their doors are locked and avoiding late-night wandering in the hallways.
The building has been a hotspot for police activity, with a significant number of calls for service recorded throughout the year, surpassing other residences in the city by a wide margin. The spike in emergency responses and incidents has prompted KFHC to implement safety measures and eviction protocols for disruptive individuals.
While efforts are being made to address the security concerns at 381 Bagot St., residents like Tracey Nicholson continue to live in fear and uncertainty, highlighting the urgent need for additional support and resources to improve living conditions and ensure the safety of all tenants in social housing facilities.