TCHC pleads guilty, fined $100K in fatal seniors’ home fire in Malvern
Inside Toronto
13 July 2017

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) has been fined $100,000 in connection with a fatal fire at a seniors' home in Malvern.

Four elderly residents died and 15 others were injured in the Feb. 5, 2016 blaze, which happened on the fifth floor of 1315 Neilson Rd.

The Ontario Fire Marshal determined the fire was intentionally set. Toronto police’s investigation into the fire is ongoing.

failing to implement the approved fire safety plan

TCHC pled guilty to failing to implement the approved fire safety plan. The $100,000 fine is the maximum fine allowable under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

violations of the Fire Code can pose serious risks and result in tragic consequences

"This terrible fire is a grim reminder that violations of the Fire Code can pose serious risks and result in tragic consequences," said Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop. "Toronto Fire Services is committed to ensuring appropriate measures are taken by property owners to achieve both compliance and fire safety."

TCHC has made steps to fully implement the fire safety plan at 1315 Neilson Rd. to the satisfaction of Toronto Fire, the city said in a news release.

Since 2016, Toronto Fire has inspected all TCHC highrise and seniors' buildings and will continue to do so on an annual basis, the release added.

A couple of comments. First, all condo boards should insure that they have an up-to-date fire safety plan and that all employees, contarctors and residents know what the plan is.

On top of that, all residential highrises should be inspected by Toronto Fire Services on an annual basis.
—CondoMadness

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