THE FINAL DECISION
DECEMBER 8th 2017
Photo by Amy Simpson
On Dec. 8, 2017, in front of a courtroom full of past and present Midfield residents, Justice Colleen Kenny ruled that the Midfield Mobile Home Park would indeed be shut down and all residents would be evicted.
Though many of the residents had already left the mobile home park, prior to the hearing there was still a feeling of community amongst those in attendance — each person greeting their former neighbours like family.
Lori Sperling, a former Midfield resident, stood at the front of the benches wearing a black shirt emblazoned with the words, “Stop the Midfield Park Massacre.” She also sported Canadian flags on her clothing and two maple leaf stickers on her face. Before the judge’s decision, she handed out homemade flags to the Midfield supporters, bearing the same slogan.
Rudy Prediger, the driving force in Midfield’s battle, was noticeably absent. According to Sperling, he was unable to attend as he was at home, recovering from pneumonia.
“Let me start by saying that I understand and sympathize with the position in which the residents of Midfield find themselves,” said Kenny. “While located on leasehold land, these are their homes. They own these homes and many have lived in these homes in Midfield for a good part of their lives.”
She said though the applicant argued the city “failed to maintain Midfield’s infrastructure,” there was not enough evidence to prove that this was the case or that the city acted in bad faith.
However, though she dismissed their application for additional compensation, she extended the eviction date to Feb. 19, 2018.
“I recognize that this has been a trying period for the Midfield community,” she said. “It would be neither practical nor humane for me to force Midfield’s remaining residents out of their homes only days before Christmas, as Calhome suggests.”
Following the hearing, Mathew Farrell said he was disappointed with the Justice’s decision, but added it is important to continue to stand up for what is right.
“When you see somebody that you feel is being exploited, you stand up for them and sometimes you don’t always win, but it’s important for us as lawyers and for us as Calgarians to stand up for what we see as injustice."
"They own these homes and many have lived in these homes in Midfield for a good part of their lives."
- Judge Colleen Kenny
City of Calgary lawyer, James Floyd said he was pleased with the ruling.
“It was a difficult decision for everybody, but we intend to support the residents as we can moving forward.”
Midfield residents were noticeably upset following Kenny’s decision.
“Basically, we have to abandon our house and take on our $60,000 mortgage,” said Calan Lovstrom. “I guess we’re just going to have to be homeless because we’re not going to be able to rent anywhere because we have to pay our mortgage.
“Basically, what was ruled as the law is just not on our side.”
Lovstrom’s wife, Laine Sloan, said as small business owners they are running out of options. She said they have tried unsuccessfully for three years to sell their mobile home and have had no luck finding a new place to live.
Lovstrom adds that as a young couple, he doesn’t see how they will be able to get over this hurdle.
“We’re going to have to leave the city. We are no longer Calgarians. Calgary doesn’t want us.”
Sperling said she plans to keep fighting.
“We’re not done. We’re not done by a long shot.”
"We are no longer Calgarians. Calgary doesn't want us."
- Calan Lovstrom
