Twelve families in Vernon, British Columbia, are facing an indefinite power outage after authorities shut down the electrical system at Crown Villa Mobile Home Park on Friday, citing severe safety hazards that have gone unaddressed for five years.
Technical Safety B.C., the provincial agency responsible for oversight of dangerous technical systems, made the decision to disconnect power after the property owner repeatedly failed to complete required repairs despite multiple warnings and legal orders.
"These hazards posed an immediate risk of electrical shock and fire, which could cause serious injury or death," said Kate Parker, vice president of operations at Technical Safety B.C., explaining the agency's decision to pull the plug.
Years of Warnings, No Action
The shutdown represents the culmination of a five-year battle between regulators and the property owner. In December 2025, authorities issued a final warning, setting an April 10 deadline for repairs. When the landlord failed to comply, B.C. Hydro disconnected the site's power in a matter of minutes.
Among the most dangerous issues: indoor electrical equipment had been installed outdoors in a deteriorating enclosure, exposing it to heat, cold, storms, animals, and rodents—creating a powder keg of electrical and fire hazards.
The repairs required to restore power are estimated at approximately $200,000. The property owner has stated she cannot afford the cost.
Residents Living Without Basic Services
Lisa Anderson, who has called Crown Villa home for over a decade, watched helplessly as her life descended into survival mode. Without electricity, her home lost more than lights—the site's well pump, which supplies all running water, also shut down.
"I'm overwhelmed, stressed, tired and I'm exhausted," Anderson said, sitting outside her mobile home.
She has stockpiled water for drinking, bathing, and flushing toilets. Battery-powered lights illuminate her home at night. To keep warm, she placed a sleeping bag on her son's bed as temperatures drop without heat.
"Right now we're literally camping," she said.
No Timeline for Resolution
Technical Safety B.C. officials noted they deliberately waited for warmer weather before enforcing the shutdown, attempting to minimize the hardship on residents. However, they made clear that power will not be restored until all electrical hazards are properly repaired and upgraded.
For the residents of Crown Villa, there is currently no timeline for when their lives will return to normal. The burden now rests on the landlord to find the funds and contractors needed to complete the required work.
This article is based on reporting from CBC News. Read the original story at CBC.ca.