Residents displaced by the Aug. 25 fire at 99 McNaughton Ave. W. are still waiting to re-enter their homes as the investigation continues, Chatham-Kent officials say.
Residents displaced by the Aug. 25 fire at 99 McNaughton Ave. W. are still waiting to re-enter their homes as the investigation continues, Chatham-Kent officials say.
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Municipal teams have helped, 22 tenants of the housing complex find placements in local retirement facilities, while seven tenants have secured short-term leases with private landlords, and five others are to sign leases in coming days, a Friday release said.
“Employment and social services and housing services have co-ordinated to connect each displaced resident with an individual case manager to ensure that they are given personalized care for the duration of their displacement,” it said.
Since last week, 90 tenants have received emergency accommodations. Some remain in hotels, while others have used the emergency evacuation center set up with the support from the Canadian Red Cross.
Other tenants have found temporary shelter with family and friends, with the municipality encouraging that option if possible.
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“At present, resident re-entry will be a phased process, with an exact timeline remaining uncertain until the investigative work is completed,” officials added.
Inside the building, restoration cleanup has started and the municipality is working with contractors to determine work required for certain units to be ready for occupancy.
so far, there is no sign any parts of the building will need to be demolished, officials said.
“We have made excellent progress in getting displaced residents into longer-term accommodations, and continue to secure more spots every day,” said Josh Myers, housing services director.
“Our teams. . . continue to work together to ensure that all our residents are being taken care of and are pushing forward to get everyone into secure housing until return to 99 McNaughton is possible,” he added.
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“I would also like thank everyone in our community who took the time to donate to those in need; it was an excellent reflection of how caring and generous the people of Chatham-Kent can be.”
Last month, Erin Ashley Ott, 30, was arrested and charged with arson-disregard for human life. Chatham-Kent police are seeking Leonard Greason, 48, on the same charge.
For more details and the latest updates on 99 McNaughton, visit letstalkchatham-kent.ca/99-mcnaughton.
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