Battlefords Housing Authority has been the subject of controversy over issues at their various properties in Battleford and North Battleford.
Now they have ended up on the losing end of a wrongful termination lawsuit.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, Judge Murray Pelletier ruled in favour of former maintenance worker Richard Rosendahl, who was terminated by the housing authority in October of 2018.
Pelletier ruled the housing authority did not have just cause to terminate Rosendahl. The housing authority had leveled a number of allegations at Rosendahl, including the most serious one that he had stolen a can of paint belonging to the authority.
Rosendahl denied that allegation, claiming he had been allowed to take the can of paint home with him. He also alleged harassment and intimidation by managers.
Judge Pelletier ultimately sided with Rosendahl, and rejected all of the reasons BHA had put forward as just cause for his termination.
For damages, Pelletier ruled Rosendahl was entitled to three months notice, or $12,964. The main reason cited was the relatively short length of time Rosendahl had worked for the housing authority of less than five years.
There were no punitive or aggravated damages. Rosendahl was also awarded costs for the trial in the case.
BHA has dealt with a number of controversies as of late. One has been the ongoing issues of drunkenness and disorderly conduct at Valleyview Tower II. Another involves cleanliness and crime issues at a property on 28th Street in Battleford, which resulted in Battleford town council receiving two letters of complaint from local residents.
