Nearly a month has passed since residents of two buildings in Thorncliffe Park had to evacuate due to a unique fire incident, causing uncertainty just days before Christmas. As the days go by, there is still no definite timeline for their return home.
Speaking to CityNews, one resident shared, “Living day by day… God knows only the timeline.” Despite the situation, some residents were spotted cautiously entering nearby condo buildings over the weekend to retrieve items, coming to terms with spending the holidays away from their residences. While hope flickered for many that the situation would improve, one man made the tough decision to relocate his family of four due to the lingering uncertainty, especially with his wife expecting a baby.
With Christmas approaching, a local hotel, where many displaced residents are temporarily lodged, stepped in to brighten spirits by organizing a festive luncheon on Christmas Eve. Kevin Porter, general manager at Toronto Don Valley Hotel, acknowledged the residents’ challenges, emphasizing the stress and vulnerability they faced being away from their families. The hotel prepared a special buffet and arranged for gifts and entertainment to bring some joy during this difficult time.
The fire incident, which took 18 days to extinguish, presented a unique challenge to fire crews as the blaze was hidden between the walls of the buildings. After the properties were returned to the management company on December 16, third-party engineers were brought in to assess the buildings and initiate safety measures before residents can safely return. City officials await the engineers’ report to determine the necessary repairs and safety evaluations before allowing the over 400 displaced residents to come back home.