Several families whose parents live in a Hammonds Plains, N.S. assisted living home will have to find other arrangements for their loved ones by next month.

Jill Peterson, owner and operator of Grandeur Estates, has been told some of her ten residents must leave in order to comply with HRM bylaws.

"I was confused, I didn't understand, I couldn't get a straight answer — upset. Multiple things went through my mind at the time," said Peterson.

"I've known a lot of these residents for almost three years. They're like family to me. It's not just about business or anything in that nature. It's about caring for these people."

Owner and operator of Grandeur Estates, Jill Peterson, says she's never had issues with HRM zoning bylaws until now. (CBC)

Peterson says she hasn't had any issues with the city before. But current zoning regulations state no more than three seniors can live in a dwelling.

"I think originally, City Hall zoning folks thought they were compliant," said Matt Whitman, the HRM councillor for the living home's district.

"But then at second look, decided that they weren't compliant in that they had more than three seniors — so it's a heartbreaker."

The deadline is Oct. 1. Valerie Coolen's mother currently resides at the home.

"You turn around and you get phone calls saying you have until this time to make up your mind on a nursing home bed," she said. "Well no, we're not taking it. We're not doing that to her."