Air quality issues at West Vancouver apartment building

Residents of Park Royal Towers, an apartment building in West Vancouver, say they are concerned about the air quality in their home.

The building is owned by Larco Investments, the same company that owns Regency Park in Vancouver’s West End — another building that has faced similar issues.

One renter in his 70s, who did not want to be identified in fear of retaliation, says he has asthma that has gotten worse due to poor air circulation in his home.

“I see it, every day, get worse and worse. I went to the doctor too many times for this matter,” he said.

“They gave me three different kinds of puffers, which is not helping me a lot, but I feel a little more comfortable.”

He says the biggest issues are in the kitchen and bathroom, starting with the fans.

The resident showed The Leader Spirit what appears to be a range hood above the stove. However, instead of a vent above the stove taking air out, there is only a storage cabinet.

When the range hood is turned on, there is nothing behind the fan blades; it just pushes air down.

The renter says he paid out-of-pocket for an air conditioner and purifier, and he keeps his windows open as long as he’s home.

He says he has also complained about mold in the unit.

“I mentioned it, they came, they have a look, no action,” he said.

“I like to be a good tenant. You can see my place is clean, because every second day I clean it. At age 70, it’s pretty hard for me with the asthma. But I have no choice. I have to.”

West Vancouver doesn’t have a standard of maintenance bylaw like some other cities, but B.C.’s Tenancy Act says landlords are responsible for providing safe and healthy rental units.

The Leader Spirit reached out to Larco Investments and the District of West Vancouver for comment.