Going to the mailbox to look for letters and packages is a daily ritual for many of us, but not for people living in a Manitoba housing complex in Winnipeg.

They are cut off from their post.

“For 18 months now, we haven’t received any mail at all,” said resident Jonathan Kotyk. “Canada Post will not deliver it.”

Kotyk said a metal fence was installed after thieves broke into the mailboxes last year.

It prevents both criminals and residents from accessing the community mailbox. Kotyk was told that it may take a long time before anything will be done.

Instead, a notice posted in the lobby tells residents to go to the Canada Post depot on McDermot to pick up their mail, which is a 15-minute walk away.

“Half the building is families, many of whom work during the day,” Kotyk said. — They cannot get down to the depot during the day.

But even though Kotyk went to the depot, he still couldn’t get his mail. His government-issued ID has expired, and Canada Post will not release his mail to him without it.

“It is a bureaucratic purgatory of nightmarish proportions. There is no excuse for this.”

Colleague Lisa Martin said she feels abandoned by Manitoba Housing.

“I’m frustrated because our problems aren’t being addressed. They’re just getting a Band-Aid,” Martin said. “And we’re the ones stuck with the consequences.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the province writes:

“The province is investing $5 million to repair Manitoba Housing buildings across the province, including at 375 Kennedy St. Manitoba Housing has worked with Canada Post to implement a new mailbox design at this property to provide safer mailbox options for residents. This work is expected be completed within the next six months. In the meantime, tenants can pick up their mail at the Canada Post office at 400 McDermot Ave. Tenants with mobility issues are encouraged to contact Canada Post to learn more about their delivery program.

Meanwhile, residents like Kotyk and Martin are alone.