A Quebec Superior Court judge reluctantly upheld an eviction order for residents in two run-down Pointe-Saint-Charles apartment buildings on Centre and Chateauguay streets on Wednesday.
The city of Montreal says the buildings are too dangerous for tenants to live in.
A dozen residents have until Thursday afternoon to pack up and leave.
The decision left tenants like Lori Ann Gross in tears and scrambling to pack.
“I don’t know what to do, I don’t know where we are going. I have a handicapped daughter to think about and pets to take care of,” Gross told Global News late Wednesday.
The owner, Robert Spiro Zaphiratos requested a delay for the eviction order. It was rejected due to safety concerns.
Tenants also tried to get compensation from Zaphiratos ahead of the forced move. That request was also denied.
The city of Montreal first flagged the buildings on Centre Street and Chateauguay Street in 2012.
Mould, mice, water infiltration, bedbugs and neglected renovations plagued the buildings for years.
A lawyer for Zaphiratos says his client is trying to do right by tenants.
“It is a very sad situation to have to put people in the street,” said Bruce Taub.
“My client has always been concerned about the tenants.”
Some residents didn’t even bother to start packing. They have nowhere to go for shelter.
“They’re going to kick us out? And what are we going to do with our stuff?” a frustrated Glenn Fox told Global News.
Residents are waiting to hear whether city officials will find them a place to stay until the necessary renovations are completed on the buildings.