The Wisteria Community Association, which operates the Stone Soup kitchen in Nanaimo, B.C., has been locked out of its property over alleged rent arrears, despite providing receipts that show rent was paid through November 1. The soup kitchen, serving almost 200 people, has been significantly impacted, with at least $50,000 worth of food and materials locked away by the property management company, NAI Commercial. The charity had been preparing to open a new dining room to offer a warm, overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness, but now faces uncertainty after the landlord terminated the lease.
The landlord cited “ongoing and significant breaches,” including rent arrears, unauthorized tenant improvements, and a builder’s lien, as reasons for the lease termination. However, Wisteria’s leadership disputes these claims, noting they only learned of the builder’s lien after being locked out and immediately paid it off. Wisteria officials criticized the landlord’s actions, especially given the timing just before the holidays when demand for services is high.
In response, MGM Restaurant has offered its support, allowing Wisteria to continue some operations through a mobile service. However, Wisteria is now searching for a new permanent location. The charity, which was built with over $100,000 in community donations, plans to continue serving the homeless but says it will not return to its previous location or deal with NAI Commercial again.
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