Louis Street community group disputes claim by Sudbury Housing of breached terms

Further details have emerged in the eviction of a neighbourhoodgroup on Louis Street.

The Louis Street Community Associationhasn't been able to run its programs since earlier this month, when permission for use of space was terminatedby Greater Sudbury Housing Corporation.

The volunteer-led community groupmoved into a shared multi-level townhouse in January,but the group'spermission to use the premise was withdrawn Apr.5.

Volunteers say at that time the group's belongings were put in a storage bin outsideand programming has remainedon hold until a new location can befound.

CBCNews has acquired documents connected to the dispute.

Two volunteers with the Louis Street Association, including the community coordinator,signed a letter of understanding Jan. 11, 2018 which outlined rules, regulations, obligations and parameters for the group to use the space at 159 Louis St.at townhouse 224.

Association responds

In a letter from Apr. 5, which terminates the groups use of the space, Greater Sudbury Housing accuses the association of breaching theterms of its signed agreement to use the space.The documentcites allegations of making alterations to the space without permission, failing to get permission from the other group that sharedthe spaceand acting in a harassing manner towardstaff of other group.

Further documents, also obtained by CBCNews, show a response from the Louis Street Association. This letter to Sudbury Housing addressesor disputes each one of the accusations listed against the group.

For example, the group says it did not get written agreement from the other group to paint the space.The letter goes on to say volunteers with the association weretold by the city's housing manager they only needed permission from the landlord. They also say the painting happened during March break when the other group was not occupyingthe space.

Notice to Louis Street residents

Then last week GreaterSudbury Housing Corporation distributed notifications to residents within its complexes on Louis Street.Thisletter states that the corporation is working with the community group and the city to find alternative solutions.

It also encourages residents to participate in the Louis Street Association, and that Greater Sudbury Housing Corporation "will continue to do everything possible to be a partner in the success of yourcommunity."

Programming from the group remains on hold, and no new space has been found.