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Cape Breton Post
Saturday, June 19, 1999

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.

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