Tenants at a seniors’ apartment building in Fort Frances, Ont., that was damaged by a fire last month won’t be able to return home until next year.
A fatal fire at Rose Manor on Sept. 22 resulted in the death of a 92-year-old tenant. All other residents at the building have been displaced since then.
The incident is under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal.
Rose Manor, which is owned and operated by the District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB), consists of 35 rent-geared-to-income units for people 60 and older.
“There is no confirmed date for the building to be ready for re-occupancy. While assessments, cleanup and repair planning are ongoing, DRRSB has been advised that Rose Manor will not be habitable before 2027,” the DRRSB said in an update issued on Friday.
DRRSB has arranged and funded temporary hotel accommodations for displaced tenants through Nov. 15, “when the insurance funding available for these accommodations is expected to be exhausted.”
Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services says crews remained on scene for several hours responding to the fatal fire at Rose Manor early in the morning on Sept. 22. (Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services/Facebook)
“After Nov. 15, tenants will require safe, suitable and affordable alternative housing until they are able to return to Rose Manor, should they choose to do so,” the board says.
About 7,500 people live in Fort Frances, a northwestern Ontario border town located directly across the Rainy River from the city of International Falls, Minn.
Housing is hard to come by in the town, let alone units that are affordable and suitable for seniors, the DRRSB said.
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“A limited number of units may be available at other DRRSB housing locations, and eligible tenants may request a transfer. However, local housing availability is extremely limited, and these options will not meet the needs of every displaced tenant,” its statement says.
DRRSB’s homelessness prevention team is working with displaced tenants to explore available housing and support options.
That said, the board is appealing to private landlords, property owners and community members to consider renting out to Rose Manor residents. Those who may be able to assist are asked to contact 807-274-5349 and leave their information with reception.
CBC News reached out to both DRRSB and Fort Frances’s mayor Andrew Hallikas for comment on the situation, and was told the board is holding a meeting on Thursday morning to discuss next steps — after which more information may be available.
“DRRSB staff are doing everything possible to support Rose Manor tenants through this difficult transition,” said DRRSB’s chief administrative officer in Friday’s news release.
“We are grateful for the extraordinary compassion shown by our community. While our resources are limited, we will continue working with residents and partners to identify every reasonable option available.”
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Since the board receives both municipal and provincial funding, CBC News also reached out to Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for comment on whether the province is supporting Rose Manor tenants.
A spokesperson for the ministry referred any questions about the incident to the DRRSB, as it is the building’s owner and operator.
As the DRRSB considers its options, it says it’s grateful for “the many local agencies, community partners, businesses, organizations, and local residents who have already provided essential support,” including Rainy River District Victim Services, Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope and the Canadian Mental Health Association Fort Frances Branch.
“Their generosity has helped residents access food, clothing, transportation, accommodations and other urgent needs in the weeks following the fire. Continued community support will be important as tenants seek alternative accommodations and replacement home furnishings,” the board said.
