Nasty sewage water is persistently seeping into a significant puddle near the entrance of a former school compound in the village of Richmound, southwest Saskatchewan, which was occupied by members of a cult for the past two years. Despite the recent police raid that drove out the “Kingdom of Canada” cult, Richmound Mayor Brad Miller revealed that the sewage issue lingers.
According to Miller, the stench from the sewage is so strong that it can be detected by people up to 500 feet away when the wind blows. He described the smell as overpowering and persistent, lingering on one’s hands for hours after contact. Concerned about the potential return of the cult, Miller expressed frustration and fear, stating that the community is exhausted and on edge.
The sewage problem originated after the village disconnected the compound’s water and sewage system last year due to the owner, Ricky Manz, failing to pay utility bills. Subsequently, cult members resorted to dumping wastewater from toilets and sinks around the building, leading to the pooling of sewage outside.
During a visit to the compound with the RCMP to address the sewage issue, Miller found himself in a physical altercation with Manz, resulting in contact with waste. The police raid on September 3 was not related to the sewage but was prompted by reports of a firearm on the premises. The raid led to the arrest of Manz, cult leader Romana Didulo, and other individuals, along with the seizure of imitation handguns and ammunition.
Miller, a long-time resident of Richmound, considered the raid a moment of relief after enduring two years of torment from the cult. He emphasized the challenges faced by the community in evicting the cult and the detrimental impact it had on residents, including harassment and intimidation.
The building has been deemed uninhabitable by health officials, and living on the premises is prohibited. Despite attempts by the mayor and council to remove the cult using legal avenues, the situation persisted until the recent police intervention. The disruptive behavior of cult members, including barricading the compound and harassing locals, caused distress in the community.
Experts, such as criminology professor Christine Sarteschi, have highlighted the unusual nature of Didulo’s cult and her online influence in promoting defiance against financial obligations. Didulo’s claims of being the “Queen of Canada” with extraordinary abilities have attracted a following that adheres to her unconventional beliefs.
Miller, reflecting on the challenges faced during his tenure as mayor, expressed concerns about the potential resurgence of the cult and the need for a more effective response to prevent a repeat of the past turmoil in Richmound.
