Signs posted on the front of Pro-Brand Lock and Security say the business will be moving due to
health and safety protocols.
The business has been located at 22 King Street West in downtown Cobourg for over four years.
But recently, Brand said there he could hear dripping coming from the walls. Turns out there was a hole in the sewer pipe and water in the basement.
“From there we found out that water was leaking from the roof coming down from the west wall all the way down through the apartments into the basement.”
At that time Brand said there had been no attempt to cleanup the water, “or even any of the mold that has been constantly growing down there. I’m having issues with myself with breathing, I have an employee who is complaining about his breathing and lungs.”
Due to the issues, he’s moving his business, but at this point he doesn’t know where.
“We are out a location now.”
Brand said the roof is leaking water along with the main sewage stack into the basement.
“I’m estimating to move all this stuff and reno a new place I’m out $10,000 to $20,000. And that’s coming out of my pocket and I wasn’t responsible for any of this.”
The water that has leaked is behind the walls and throughout the floor.
With the central air located in the basement, it circulates the possible bad air throughout the building.
“Anytime the air conditioner clicks on or even the heater, it blows the smell up in here (store) and we’ve had to keep the doors open so we can breathe in here the smell is so bad. It’s a consistent thing.”
Brand said he contacted Municipal by-law on Friday, July 12, 2024 and hadn’t heard anything back as of Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Sarah Law and her family live on the first floor with her newborn baby girl and when she heard about the issue on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 the family packed their bags and moved out even though they only moved in on May 1.
Law said she’s had health issues (not feeling very good) since moving in to the first floor apartment.
“I’m having heart and health issues and I have a newborn as well and her immune system isn’t built up yet – so I can’t be here.”
Sherry Matthews has owned the building for 18 years and told Today’s Northumberland that insurance adjustor inspected the area on Thursday, July 11, 2024.
“As far as I know – it hasn’t even been 100 percent confirmed,” that it’s mold.
“The insurance adjustor had a look into the piping on the main floor and said it was dark in there and it looks like it’s probably mold.
Matthews said the area was sealed up and she called plumbers and is waiting for quotes to have it repaired.
“There was nothing to my knowledge found upstairs at all.”
“It looks like its dripped down to the basement.”
Matthews said the some drywall is wet in the basement, but “we don’t know that it’s 100% mold, but it looks like it probably is to play it safe.”
“But there is nobody renting the area that it’s in. It’s just because it’s in the same building to where the commercial unit is.”
Although nothing has been confirmed, Matthews said she’s dealing with it as if it was mold and trying to take all appropriate action as quickly as possible.
“I’m waiting for quotes on plumbing to rip all that stack out and put as new one in. All the dry wall will be fixed.”
A worker has been cleaning out the damp area in the basement including dry wall for nearly two weeks.
Property from areas that have been damaged have been loaded into two large bins at the rear of the property on Covert Street.
“I’m doing everything possible.”
Matthews said that Brand has been a great tenant and doesn’t want to lose him.
“But the fact is, I can’t make that fixed and safe in a timely fashion where it can’t interrupt his business.”
Matthews has offered to help cover the costs of Brand moving his business and is actively looking for new locations.
She also understands the concerns of the tenants being afraid because it’s in the same building and having a newborn.
“I immediately said there is no issue with your lease I will release you from any obligation.”
“To my knowledge, there is not a lot more I can do.”
At this point, she is waiting for quotes for repair, including to see if the roof is leaking, the area where the mold appears to be has been sprayed down with mold spray, and specialized workers will be called in to remove it.
“I just don’t know how I can move any faster.”
“I can’t make it unhappen, but I’m doing my best for everybody, but it’s not going to be an overnight fix.”
“Everything is being addressed.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
