Power Cut Leaves Tenants in Crisis at Starshine Properties in St. Stephen, New Brunswick

The lights are off at Christine Atkinson's apartment, but it’s not by choice. Her well, which supplies water to her home, is out of service due to a power disconnection. Atkinson, along with many other tenants, is caught in a dire situation at Starshine Properties, owned by Alberta-based Annette Penkala. Penkala, who purchased 20 properties for an estimated $2.4 million, acquired these assets in January. However, barely a month after Atkinson moved in, she received a final notice from NB Power. Soon after, the town of St. Stephen issued water disconnection notices to many Starshine tenants, citing their policy on overdue bills.

"Very stressful, especially when you have children, young kids, that would like to come home," said Atkinson.

Atkinson and her three children are now precariously housed. Previously, she paid $1,200 per month, including utilities. To avoid disconnection, tenants on One Family Lane even pooled their resources.

"We can't have the power in our name here because all four units in the building are connected to one meter. So for that to happen, the one person would have to take responsibility for the whole building," Atkinson explained.

She suspects some residents continue living there without power. Municipal district staff say they have postponed water disconnections after discussions with the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office. They assert that no water was ever cut off. Nonetheless, the situation remains critical for those living in Starshine properties. Mayor Allan MacEachern has been aware of these properties for some time.

"We’ve got residents living in these conditions, which has brought more attention to a serious issue. We’ve been discussing this problem and know it’s a growing concern," MacEachern said.

CHCO-TV asked MacEachern how a landlord from out of province was able to purchase $2.4 million worth of property in the community and let it deteriorate. 

"I’ve posed these questions in our office because I’ve had people ask, 'Why don’t you just stop it?' Well, we don’t even know it’s happening until it's too late. We’re surprised when someone buys multiple units without informing us," MacEachern added.

CHCO-TV has repeatedly attempted to reach Annette Penkala by phone and email but has not received a response. The New Brunswick Department of Social Development did not provide an interview on Starshine Properties. In an email statement, the department noted that there are no rent supplement agreements with Starshine Properties, but the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office is investigating the situation. They declined further comment, citing both the ongoing investigation and the civil nature of the matter. A department spokesperson assured that the minister and department are closely monitoring the situation to determine if further action is necessary. For tenants like Atkinson, the situation has eroded trust.

"I still feel torn apart because my things aren’t with me. I feel separated," Atkinson said.

- Nathalie Sturgeon, CHCO-TV NewsBreak26, St. Stephen, New Brunswick