The Municipality of Chatham-Kent says it is making progress restoring 99 McNaughton Avenue West, but the tenants still waiting to return home will have to wait longer.
The municipality reported that residents of A Block are scheduled to return between late February and early March 2025, with exact dates to be confirmed by the municipality later.
However work on B Block, where the fire occurred, won't be finished until late this year, according to municipal officials. That means residents in that part of the building could be waiting another 10 or 11 months before returning home.
The municipality noted tendering the reconstruction work is currently underway.
"Updates will be provided as the project progresses," said officials in a news release on Friday afternoon.
A fire on August 25, 2024 displaced residents and the complex required extensive repair. Two people have been charged with arson.
"The recovery process has been a collaborative effort involving multiple Municipal departments, including Fire Services, Housing Services, and the Parks, Recreation and Facilities team, along with support from Economic Development and external contractors," the municipality noted. "As a result of these joint efforts, half of the tenants have already returned to their apartments."
D Block reopened on November 18, 2024, 85 days after the fire and C Block reopened on December 16, 2024, 113 days after the fire.
The municipality said it has prioritized the well-being of affected residents throughout the recovery process.
All tenants who have not yet returned to their apartments have made temporary or alternate housing arrangements, officials added.
“This has been a tremendous effort involving multiple Municipal teams and external partners, all working together to get residents back into their homes as quickly and safely as possible,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “We recognize the challenges this situation has presented, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of the tenants as we continue working toward full restoration.”
The municipality insists it remains committed to supporting affected residents and ensuring the safe reopening of the remaining sections of 99 McNaughton West.
