Woman refuses to leave building set for demolition

A Toronto woman is refusing to vacate an apartment building that is slated for demolition on Monday, setting the stage for an expensive standoff with Toronto Community Housing.

Candice McGowan and her 12-year-old son are the only people left in theRegent Park highrise, which is due to be knocked down starting Monday as part of that neighbourhoods revitalization project.

Other tenants were relocated, while McGowan says she was served with an eviction notice after police found multiple loaded guns in her home last year.

McGowan says she didnt know the weapons were there, and blames them on a now ex boyfriend.

I never allowed him to be in my house doing illegal things. I never thought he would ever bring something like that in my house, she told CBC News.

TCH spokeswoman Sara Goldvine says the rules apply to everyone.

The lease-holder is responsible for any criminal activitythat occurs in their unit, she said.

TCH says it's willing to move McGowan to another unit temporarily if she allows the eviction proceedings against her to continue.

In the meantime, crews will start work on a nearby building. But if crews are forced to stand idle, TCH warns it could cost $10,000a day.

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Woman refuses to leave building set for demolition