Community Legal Assistance Sarnia [CLAS] wants to help residents who were displaced by an apartment fire on February 20.
An order posted to the door at 721 Earlscourt Drive by Sarnia's building department, states that "Unit 208, Building B, appears structurally inadequate creating an unsafe condition due to interior fire damage."
It goes on to say that "restrictions remain in effect for all units on the second floor and units 108, 306, 308 and 310."
(An order posted to the door at 721 Earlscourt Drive by Sarnia's building department. Image courtesy of Melissa Bradley.)
Paralegal Melissa Bradley said based on the assessment provided by the engineer, access to the remainder of the building is available.
"So, we are trying to reach out and suggest any of those tenants that are looking to return to their unit can contact the landlord and make arrangements for that to happen," said Bradley.
Bradley is encouraging residents who haven't contacted CLAS already, to give them a call or come to a free information session.
"Our office has received multiple calls from many of the tenants and we will be hosting an information session for those tenants or anybody that's interested. That's on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Our location is 201 Front Street. It will be on the second floor in the recreation room between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m."
Bradley said their staff will be joined by other community representatives who may be able to assist with temporary housing.
"Our office offers brief, summary, legal advice to individuals who qualify and we can let you know what the residential tenancy allows, what rights are provided to a tenant under that legislation and should they wish to proceed to the landlord and tenant board, that's where you know those rights will remain protected."
Bradley said they're aware some residents are struggling to find other accommodations.
"Those who have family [to stay with] are very fortunate. We have an extremely stressed system already, from full shelters, to lack of affordable units, to lack of available units in general. So, it's really important that these tenants understand their rights and that they work with the landlord as best as possible to ensure that they can get back in as soon as possible."
While the damage appeared to be contained to the one unit and the hallway, there was smoke damage throughout the building.