The Yates family built their dream home on the edge of Lac des Seize Iles, and though it wasn't physically damaged in last week’s landslides, it has still, in a way, been ruined for them.

When geologists came and tested the ground after Tuesday’s landslides in the village about 100 km northwest of Montreal, they found it was no longer safe. The city ordered the Yates to leave their home.

They haven’t been allowed back in since.

Because it's a natural disaster, they're not covered by insurance, and so far they haven’t received any help from the province.

Gary Yates said he’s been told that if the province has to demolish the home, they would get less than half its value.

Because their son goes to school in the area, they're trying to rent another home, a decision that isn’t the easiest on their finances.

“I'm faced with a situation where there are a lot of expenses and I cannot really afford to keep up the mortgage payments and pay rent on some other place,” he said.

The other worry the family has is that the bank could call the mortgage, which could force them into bankruptcy.

At this point, they’re still waiting for official word on whether they’ll be able to return to their home.

“It’s really difficult, and part of it is not really knowing (the facts),” he said.