99 McNaughton West Emergency Response

Housing services is advising that tenants in Section C are tentatively approved to return home Monday December 16^th. Case Managers will be reaching out to tenants to discuss what to expect and what to do before this date.

There are no updates regarding Sections A and B as the work required remains significant. Staff will provide an update as soon as one is received.

Update on 99 McNaughton returns

Work continues daily on 99 McNaughton. At this time, in order to allow for a smooth return for tenants living in section D, the official move in date will be Monday November 18^th, 2024. Three additional days are needed to ensure a safe return. Staff will be reaching out to impacted tenants closer to November 15^th to discuss options and to share more on what to expect.

For tenants who were displaced from Section C, staff do not have a specific date at this time but have been advised that all tenants in section C can expect to be home before December 24^th, 2024. As work progresses, staff will provide additional updates on Let’s Talk.

Work to complete repairs on 99 McNaughton are progressing without delays and it is very likely that all occupants of section D will be permitted to return home by November 15. Section C is expected shortly after. More information on section C and a concrete timeline will be announced by November 8.

Sections A and B require extensive repairs and remediation, which will take several months. There is currently no estimated timeline for return to these sections.

Municipal staff will be reaching out to occupants from section D in early November to discuss their return.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent continues the time-limited agreement with the new ownership of Park St. Place in Dresden for those affected by the fire. The temporary use of this property is currently providing stable housing for tenants until they are able to return to their homes.

What work has been completed at 99 McNaughton to date?

It has been one month since the fire at 99 McNaughton, and considerable work has been completed toward getting residents back into their units. Some of the specific repairs include:

• The damaged roof has been replaced and weatherproofed.
• Water and smoke damage in common areas is in the process of being remediated.
• Tenant units that received water and smoke damage are being remediated. The effected tenants have been notified of this work.
• Building mechanical and electrical components damaged by the fire are starting to be brought back into service.
• Heat to the building is in the process of being restored.
• A temporary hot water system is being installed to meet building code requirements for safe occupancy of residents.
• The building’s fire monitoring system is being repaired.
• All building department occupancy requirements continue to be addressed to ensure a safe occupancy of residents.

Where are people residing?

At this time all tenants from 99 McNaughton have either secured accommodations on their own or with support from the Municipality or have been offered alternate accommodations that includes Park St. Place in Dresden.

For any tenant whose temporary housing situation has changed, we request that they contact their case manager to discuss possible options.

When can I expect to move back home to 99 McNaughton?

The timeline remains in the range of at least several months. Tenants will be informed as soon as an estimated date is received.

Facilities staff are on site daily and are working with several contractors to repair 99 McNaughton quickly. At this time, it appears as though Section D will be the first to return followed by Section C. Contracted staff understand how important it is to get people back home as quickly as possible and are doing everything they can to achieve this. The priority is to complete the repairs needed so that Section D and then C can return at which time the priority will shift to A and then B.

Tenants in sections A and B should expect a longer wait as the work required to make these sections safe is extensive.

In order for people to return to section D and C, contractors and staff must complete the following:

• Getting all life safety systems running and functioning properly.
• Making sure all electrical systems are functioning properly, which includes testing every room.
• Installation of temporary hot water tanks and ensuring delivery to every room in D and C.
• Some minor moisture remediation in D.
• Approval and sign off from the Electrical Safety Authority.
• Approval and sign off by Chatham-Kent’s Chief Building Officer.

When can I return to my unit to get more of my possessions?

The fire at 99 McNaughton caused significant damage to the mechanical room, which has impacted the entire building. Chatham-Kent’s Chief Building Officer has issued orders against occupying the building, for example:

• The building’s life-safety devices are currently not in operation and are in need of repair/replacement.
• The electrical and water systems are currently being repaired as there was significant damage to the mechanical rooms.
• There are health and safety risks due to the ongoing construction efforts, which includes remediation for moisture, mold, and asbestos.
• 99 McNaughton is an active construction site.

At this time, it is unsafe for the general public to enter the building and until this changes, no one (excluding trained contractors) will be permitted entry. Staff from the Municipality and/or Winmar will be in contact with all tenants the moment this changes, recognizing how important it is for displaced tenants to get more of their possessions.

We expect that some tenants will be able to access their units to remove some items before Section D is cleared for occupancy.

Park St. Place

The Municipality has entered into an agreement with the owners of 650 Park St. in Dresden Ontario to temporarily rent up to 50 rooms for displaced tenants of 99 McNaughton. Staff have reached out to all tenants who have not reported having a longer-term solution to offer this emergency housing option until such time that their home is ready for their return.

This partnership was struck when it became clear that there is not enough affordable housing in Chatham-Kent to meet this surge in need, nor are there enough private landlords interested in short-term leases.

This is a short-term option and will not interfere with any tenant’s return to 99 McNaughton.

What comes with Park St. Pace and what is the cost?

Tenants who chose this option will receive a private room, including a bed and a mini fridge, with bathroom. Park St. Place will provide 3 meals per day plus 1 snack.

Tenants will be required to pay 75% of their income to access this option (i.e. the room and meals). Tenants who believe they cannot afford this due to other extraordinary costs should speak with their case manager so that staff can review additional expenses.

The Municipality is subsidizing the remaining costs associated with this placement.

How were tenants selected for Park St Place?

Staff worked in a triaged manner and will be offering rooms in the following order:

• Those currently staying in hotels.
• Those living with friends and family who advised that they cannot stay long term.
• Those staying in retirement homes but cannot afford to stay long term.
• Those living with friends and family.

I am currently staying in a hotel, can I stay here past September 30^th?

The Municipality will no longer be paying for hotel accommodations. Displaced tenants may choose to continue to stay at hotels but will be required to cover the costs on their own or through their insurance.

I am living with a family member but need to contribute to the costs of my stay.

Please contact your case manager who will explore what options exist.

I am concerned about my rights as a tenant and have legal questions.

The Municipality encourages all tenants to seek independent legal advice at any time they feel there is a need. The Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic is an excellent resource and can provide information over the phone or through in-person appointments at no cost.

They can be reached at: 519-351-6771.

They are located at 455 Grand Ave E Unit# 9, Chatham, On

We have received an overwhelming response to help the residents 99 McNaughton, as a result, we are no longer accepting donations. We want to extend our gratitude to all of Chatham-Kent for coming together so quickly to help the residents affected by the fire.

We have set up a sorting site for donations and have opened this site to the affected residents. We will continue to be open to residents all week from 11am to 4pm. Volunteers are there to assist.

If you are unable to get to the sorting site on your own, please contact your case manager and they will assist you. Your case manager will be able to provide you with the location and instructions.

Each resident has been assigned an Emergency Case Manager to assist with individual needs. If you are a resident and do not know who your Case Manager is, please contact the Employment & Social Services office Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm at 519-351-8573 or the Homeless Response Line after hours at 519-354-6628. You will be given the name and contact information for your case manager.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is currently working to provide assistance to residents of 99 McNaughton West in Chatham after a fire at the building early this morning. Of the apartment complex’s 120 units, 90 are affected.

99 McNaughton West is a municipally owned building. An Emergency Operations Centre has been established to deal with logistics around the event and to ensure accommodations for vulnerable populations are being arranged.

CK Transit is being dispatched to transport affected residents to temporary shelter locations in Chatham-Kent.

There were no injuries reported during the fire and it is not currently known when the residents will be able to return to their units.

“Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of those displaced by the fire,” said Michael Duben, Chatham-Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer. “Our emergency services teams have been working diligently to ensure that displaced residents are housed and to ensure that work is expedited to allow residents to return to their units as soon as possible.”

EMS Services and Victims Services are on scene providing emergency support to those in need.

The fire is currently under investigation.

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Media Contact:

Eric Labadie

Manager, Corporate Communications

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

ericl@chatham-kent.ca