Hotel rooms booked, landlord issues rent rebate cheques

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As investigators begin the work to figure out what caused the explosion at 2 Secord Ave., many of its residents have settled into their temporary homes.

The City of Toronto worked Monday and Tuesday to find interim housing for those residents forced from their home Sunday and who have nowhere else to stay.

"We're now shifting into a different stage and that is to find housing," said Ward 31 (Beaches-East York) Councillor Janet Davis. "The residents are remarkably calm and composed, and have shown tremendous strength."

As of Wednesday more than 100 people were registered in hotels around the city.

"We'll continue to provide services as long as its needed," said Elaine Smyer, manager, emergency planning, shelter, support and housing.

Sunday night, 53 residents stayed at the shelter set up at Secord Public School, but by Wednesday night just nine people remained who were waiting for family or friends to come pick them up.

While many tenants praised the assistance provided by the city and the Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army, some found the hotel accommodations offered as unsatisfactory.

Joslyn Scopie and her mother decided not to stay in the hotel on Kingston Road offered by the city because it wouldn't have been suitable given her mother's medical conditions; she breaths with the aid of an oxygen tank and uses a walker to get around.

"For this week we're staying at my sister's," she said, adding she isn't sure where they'll stay for the next month.

When asked if tenants were being sent to motels on Kingston Road, Smyer said there are several hotels around the city where rooms have been reserved.

"It's basic hotel rooms," she said of the conditions.

Masudur Rahman wasn't happy with the conditions of the hotel his family was registered at on Kingston Road near Birchmount Road. His wife is five months pregnant and they have a 19 month old and he just didn't feel comfortable staying there with his family.

He spoke to Toronto Social Services and the family has been moved to a different hotel.

"Now conditions are really good," he said, adding he appreciates all the assistance city staff have given his family.

There was some good news on Wednesday as the building management company, Preston Group, began issuing rent rebate cheques to tenants, many of whom left wallets and purses in the hurry to evacuate the building. The rebate cheques cover the last 10 days of July and the landlord has said any August cheques already received will not be cashed.

People in need of emergency assistance are also being assessed by Toronto Social Services to see if they qualify. Those being given relief are, "people who don't have access to funds or people who qualify for emergency assistance under (Ontario Works)," Smyer said.

Counsellors are also available at the school to discuss alternative housing options. They are trying to find some tenants who don't want to return to the building another apartment; the landlord is working with them to get people out of their leases.

Davis said Toronto residents have been generous in this time of need and with the establishment of a relief fund. She hopes that continues.

"Thank you to the hundreds of Torontonians who have contacted the city and my office to offer donations...What residents need at this point is financial contributions," she said.

A bank account has been set up to accept donations to assist residents displaced by the fire. Cheques should be made out to the City of Toronto, 2 Secord Ave. fire. The donation is tax deductible. The donor's name and address should be included and the cheque mailed to Toronto Office of Partnerships, Metro Hall, First Floor, 55 John St. Toronto ON M5V 3C6.