Port Colborne property owner fined $19,000 for fire violations
Published October 13, 2023 at 3:27 pm
A Port Colborne property owner was fined a total of $19,000 in Provincial Court yesterday (Oct. 12) for several fire code violations of the Ontario Fire Code.
The property at 19 Nickel St., better known as the now-vacant Queens Hotel, has 10 residential apartments above it and when it was inspected on March 1, Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services found that the fire alarms and fire safety equipment didn’t work.
Yesterday in court, the building owner, 11641514 Canada Inc., was fined $15,000 for violations under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act while the director of the company was fined an additional $4,000.
“It is incumbent on property owners to ensure their properties always remain in compliance with the Fire Code,” said Port Colborne Fire Chief Scott Lawson. “This ensures the safety of occupants and emergency personnel who may need to respond to the location”.
Building owners are mandated to maintain fire alarm systems and life safety equipment in multi-residential buildings. Failing to meet these requirements could result in fines of up to $500,000 for a corporation and $50,000 for an individual per count.
“Thank you to our Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services for continuously making the safety of our residents a top priority through inspections and enforcements,” said Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele. “This is a reminder that working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives”.
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Port Colborne residents and property owners who require assistance ensuring alarms are working, creating an escape plan, or determining if their buildings are compliant, are encouraged to call Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services at 905-834-4512.
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