The city of St. John’s has ordered a problematic apartment building on Brazil Street to close, but they are staying tight-lipped on the reasons why.
The property, formerly known as Harbour View Apartments, has been the site of numerous police complaints and serious incidents over the years.
RNC at 91 Brazil Street on October 1st, 2026 (VOCM News)
Acting on a property complaint earlier this month, inspectors with the city of St. John’s and the fire department found what are being called “health and life-safety deficiencies.”
The city has ordered that the building be closed until those issues can be rectified.
The city won’t provide details on how many tenants are affected, how they are being accommodated, or the specific issues found.
The city is not providing further information on the situation at this time.
(VOCM News)
In the meantime, the new managers of the building – Montreal based Cogir – says it shares the concerns raised by residents, neighbours and the community at large about the problems at the property.
The company says it will provide updates as its restoration work progresses and looks forward to “welcoming tenants back to a much improved and safe community in the near future.”
The full statement from Cogir
We hear and share the many concerns raised by residents, neighbours and the broader community about the problems at this property. Cogir recently assumed management responsibility for this building and is immediately collaborating with the City, the Fire Department, the RNC and other key stakeholders to restore this property for the community of St. Johns.
Cogir and the property owner take the safety and well-being of residents, staff and the surrounding community very seriously. We appreciate the assistance from the City, the Fire Department and RNC in our effort to address these matters. We will provide updates as work progresses and look forward to welcoming tenants back to a much improved and safe community in the near future.
Calls to Emergency Shelter Line coming in
NL Housing says it was informed of the city’s plans to shut down the apartment at 91 Brazil Street on Wednesday afternoon.
The housing corporation says it is encouraging the landlord to work with their tenants to find other accommodations.
NLHC says it has already received calls to its emergency shelter line (1-833-724-2444) as a result of the apartment closure.
NL Housing says it will work with the operators of local emergency shelters to support anyone who qualifies for accommodation.
