City takes measures to ensure tenant safety
June 7, 2023
Kingston Fire and Rescue responded to two multi-unit residential building fires yesterday. The fire on the 700 block of Montreal Street resulted in an adult woman and her two children being sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the fire on lower Russell Street sent an adult male to hospital with serious injuries. Investigators from Kingston Fire & Rescue as well as the Ontario Fire Marshals Office are currently on the scenes to determine cause of the fires.
Following the fatal structure fire earlier this year near the intersection of Montreal Street and John Counter Boulevard, the City has taken specific and proactive measures with respect to numerous rental properties in the City that have been identified as potential high-risk. Inspections have been conducted at dozens of properties in the last two months, and work continues to ensure the properties are being maintained in accordance with applicable legislation, including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
Where violations are found, the City is taking appropriate enforcement action, including issuing orders, and/or implementing measures to rectify violations that pose an immediate threat. Kingston Fire and Rescue and City staff are working collaboratively with the City’s Housing and Social Services Department to address issues of tenant health and safety and to offer services and support where appropriate.
“The safety of our community is of utmost importance”, says Brad Joyce, Commissioner, Transportation & Public Works. “The City is committed to continuing efforts to improve residents’ access to safe and properly maintained housing.”
An investigation into the cause of Tuesday’s fire continues.
Residents who are renting and are experiencing a problem that has not been resolved by the landlord/superintendent and/or property owner can report a property deficiency by contacting Property Standards at BylawEnforcement@