FAQs

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.

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.

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.

Tenants who chose this option will receive a private room with bathroom. The Municipality is providing a bed and mini fridge and providing emergency financial assistance so that tenants can purchase the remaining items that they need.

Park St. Place will provide 3 meals per day plus 1 snack.

The cost of this option is approximately 75% of a tenant’s income. The cost reflects not only the room but also the meals. Tenants who believe that they cannot afford this should speak with their case manager as staff will review additional expenses related to medical and insurance costs.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

No, staff have received no information to support this. Contractors are actively working to address repairs to get the first phase of tenants back as quickly as possible.

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

If you need medications, talk to your pharmacy about getting new ones.  They can usually give you 7 days without a new prescription.  If you need help sorting out medications, please speak with a case manager at 519-351-8573 and staff will work to assist you as quickly as possible.

Given the level of need, staff are required to triage supports and services. Staff are prioritizing assistance to individuals requiring mobility supports and those who require additional health-related supports.

We would encourage any tenant who is able to self-resolve their emergency through friends and family to please do so. We will assist you with your individual needs to the best of our ability and as soon as possible but must continue to prioritise those with the highest needs and least supports.

Municipal staff from multiple divisions are working as quickly as possible to assist you and all tenants of 99 McNaughton. Staff are doing their best to help you at this extremely difficult time, we do appreciate your patience. Fire and Engineering services continue to assess the building to determine next steps. 

Red Cross have set up an Evacuation shelter at the old St. Agnes School, and are working on getting longer-term accommodations set up in the community for everyone.

The Municipality is working diligently with Private Landlords, Retirement homes, and other property owners to secure longer stays for those impacted. 

Please know that staff will return your call as soon as possible. The number of people in need due to this emergency cannot be understated and we kindly ask for patience as staff work to assist everyone impacted.

Please contact:

bethea@chatham-kent.ca

Please be advised that Chatham-Kent has retained Winmar for restoration work, and they have agreed to coordinate access for insurance adjusters. They also may be able to share information they have already gathered about your insured’s unit. Please contact Winmar directly at 519-351-0225 or by email: admin@chatham.winmar.ca or exec@chatham.winmar.ca

As you may anticipate, with 120 units out, we have a lot of requests for information and access. If insurers can kindly coordinate all their claims and requests for information, that would be greatly appreciated 

We ask that tenants contact their providers and do not contact Winmar directly.

Staff are working to secure a large number of short term and medium-term accommodations with interested property owners. Once agreements are finalized staff will be presenting offers to tenants. We expect to provide an update in the coming days. Tenants will be supported in moving to these accommodations and will receive financial assistance to ensure affordability until they can return home or secure another community housing unit.

Yes, some tenants in section B are being asked to consent to the removal of their property. This is being done because the damage to these specific units is extensive and as per the contractor, the possessions are not salvageable due to health and safety.

At this time, this is not expected to be the case in other areas of the apartment building.

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