$100K fine for owners of downtown Windsor residential building after city's emergency housing response

The owners of an apartment building that failed to provide heat during the fall of 2022 have been fined $100,000 in Provincial Offences Court, according to the City of Windsor.

People living in the 120-unit residential building at 1616 Ouellette Ave. were forced to evacuate after its central heating system failed, triggering a major emergency response by the city.

The city announced the fine in a news release on Thursday.

"I am proud of the city teams who stepped up to assist the people and pets that were impacted by this incident," Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said.

"I am thankful to our community partners who supported these efforts, and to the Provincial Offences Court for acknowledging our work, helping to set things right, and reinforcing clear expectations for the responsibilities of landlords in our community."

City opened temporary emergency shelter

When the system initially failed in September 2022, the city issued an order for immediate repair pursuant to city bylaws. But the city said conditions worsened, and by Nov. 20, living conditions were unsafe.

In Thursday's release the city noted that from Nov. 20 to 22, its emergency social services team was on-site, assessing residents' needs and encouraging them to seek alternate accommodations. 

Transit Windsor buses were deployed to provide heated shelter and serve as a base of operations for support staff, the city said.

The city's building department also issued an order prohibiting occupancy, resulting in the full evacuation of the building. 

In partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, the City of Windsor opened a temporary emergency shelter at the Atkinson Community Centre, which operated until Dec. 9, 2022.

Approximately 50 displaced residents received overnight accommodations, as well as meals, medical care and housing search support.

The city noted that support also extended to pets.

"The total cost of this two-and-a-half-week operation exceeded $200,000, funded and coordinated by the City of Windsor and with in-kind support from many community partners," the city said in a statement. 

The property owners were convicted on June 25, the city says. 

CBC tried to reach the previously reported owners of the building but was unsuccessful.