A strip mall owner and a business owner have each been fined for contravening the Ontario Fire Code.
The Municipality of Leamington announced on Friday that the property owners, who own a strip mall on Erie Street South and a business within it, were each fined $10,000 in Provincial Offences Court for failing to comply with an order issued by Leamington Fire Services.
"Ontario Fire Code violations put both building occupants and responding firefighters at serious risk," said Leamington Fire Chief Don Williamson. "Our fire prevention officers are dedicated to working with owners to ensure compliance through education and regular inspections. When voluntary compliance isn’t achieved, we have no choice but to pursue enforcement through the provincial court system. This conviction underscores the seriousness of failing to meet fire safety standards and the substantial penalties that can follow."
Further details on the violation were not released.
Anyone found guilty of violating the Ontario Fire Code may face fines of up to $50,000 and/or up to a year in jail. Corporations can face fines of up to $100,000.
Questions or concerns about fire safety in Leamington can be addressed by visiting the fire service's official website or calling (519) 326-6291 on weekdays during business hours.
