The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has incurred hefty expenses in its efforts to support the dozens of residents displaced by a devastating apartment fire in Chatham.
According to an information report coming to council on Monday, the municipality has spent an estimated $2.08 million for emergency support, hotels, pet and wildlife rescue, food, fire resources, and security costs, among other items, in response to the fire at 99 McNaughton Ave. W. in Chatham on August 25.
More than 100 residents living at the municipally owned building were left homeless due to the fire.
The municipality has assisted those in need through emergency accommodations over the last several months. Initially, residents were placed in hotels or retirement homes before some were transitioned to a Red Cross evacuation shelter at the St. Agnes school on August 30.
The evacuation centre was closed on September 12 but municipal staff were then able to enter into an agreement with the owners of Park Street Place on September 17 to rent up to 50 rooms, which included three meals per day.
The total estimated cost to the municipality for utilizing the evacuation centre and Park Street Place was around $706,000.
“The primary objective of administration was to ensure all residents have an option of emergency housing whether that be provided by the municipality or through personal connections and support,” staff said in its report. Once tenants were stabilized, efforts shifted to reducing costs which continues to be the focus today.”
The true financial costs of the event have yet to be finalized as the municipality awaits numerous invoices. However, staff have submitted a business case and formal request to the provincial government requesting financial assistance. The municipality is also working with its insurance provider to pursue every available option to recoup costs.
Administration said work to repair 99 McNaughton is progressing and residents in two out of four sections of the building are expected to be able to return in the coming weeks. However, the other two sections of the building require extensive repairs and remediation, which will take several months.
