Laurier Street residents ready to camp out near premier’s home
By Tanya Collier and Steve MacInnis
Premier Russell MacLellan may have a new neighbour
today.
Laurier Street resident Ann Ross said Friday if she is forced
to leave a downtown Sydney hotel, she plans on literally
camping out across the street from the premier.
“I’m not going back home. My home is toxic and I will not
expose my daughter to a health hazard,” said Ross, who for
the past 37 days has been staying at the Delta Hotel.
Ross and nine other families from her Whitney Pier
neighbourhood were moved out after traces of arsenic were
found in their basements.
The provincial Environment Department has concluded the
source of the contamination entering Ross’ basement is
from the surrounding soil.
They have recommended she seek a remedy to the water
leak which they conclude will also prevent arsenic from
entering the home.
But Ross said she shouldn’t be responsible for the expense
claiming that several areas of the Pier were exposed to
arsenic-laden soil from the former coke ovens plant.
The department has given her until 1 p.m. today to vacate
the hotel.
