Residents at the Glen Elm Mobile Home Community say it costs thousands of dollars to move their manufactured homes from the lots at the trailer park. Darrell and Marlene Kayter have lived in the community for more than 20 years. They have until the end of May to move their home off the property. “We decided we were going to build our new home and stay here,” Darrell told CTV News Friday. “Having done that, this has come as a complete shock.” “It’s just something we never saw coming,” he added. In January, 14 residents received eviction notices from the park’s site manager set for April 30. According to the notices, the park contains damaged and aging water and sewage infrastructure. Since then, several more residents have received eviction notices for May 30 with services being cut off beginning in June. The first eviction deadline has already past, with many homes on the property either vacant, already moved or even demolished. “It’s really sad,” Darrell said. “This is this has been a home to a lot of people.” The Kayters say they are a part of a lucky few who – not only are able to move their home – but have found a place they are eligible to move it to. However, the costs and logistics to do so are mounting. “By the time it’s all said and done, we’re looking at $25,000,” Darrell said. “Just for the cost of the movers.” The homeowners add the property owner has offered to cover some of the costs to move, but they are still paying the majority out of their own pocket. Plus, the Kayters need special equipment to ensure the home itself remains in tact during the move. “The stress is unbelievable,” Marlene added. “There’s been a lot of sleepless nights.” Offer to purchase Since the notice in January, a number of residents banded together, creating an association hoping to find a solution. They met with the City of Regina and provincial government officials to explore options. The association has also made multiple attempts to purchase the property, but the latest deadline for the owner to accept passed without approval Friday afternoon. “Unfortunately, the last few weeks, each one of them have seen the term expire,” Glen Elm Retirement Community Residents’ Association President Randall Edge said. “We continue to be determined and persistent. And we will prepare our next offer to the property owner.” Unlike the Kayters, Edge is ineligible to move his home off the property. He says many are in the same situation. “We’re not going anywhere,” he added. “We need to find a solution to this problem.” As the deadline for his eviction nears, time is of the essence. “We are absolutely working under the gun,” Edge said. “We continue to make every effort to question. This is our responsibility to come to a resolution on this.” “I really feel sorry for a lot of people here,” Darrell said. “There’s people that have been here for years.” The community association says they will meet on Saturday to discuss possible next steps and formulate their next offer to purchase the property. Still determined as ever, those who have not had to leave yet, do not have to move.
