Back to SearchProperty owners and tenants across the City are reminded that failure to meet fire code requirements may not only impact their health and safety, but also their bottom line after a Friday Ontario Court of Justice conviction.
On Sept. 10, 2021 a numbered company, 1813390 Ontario Ltd., and three of its directors pleaded guilty to six fire code contraventions related to a rental residential property at 15 Queenston St. As a result of the convictions — four counts related to failing to maintain smoke alarms in working condition, and two related to failing to maintain carbon monoxide alarms in working condition — a fine was issued in the amount of $8,000, plus applicable court surcharge.
St. Catharines Fire Services is reminding all homeowners, landlords and tenants that properly maintained and installed alarms are not only required by law, but they provide critical early warning that saves lives during emergencies.
“Whether you are a tenant or an owner, having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your residence is the law. Beyond that alarms provide critical warning in an emergency that can be crucial in avoiding injury or even death,” said Fire Chief Jeff McCormick.
Ontario law requires working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside all sleeping areas. The law also requires working carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas in units where a fuel-burning appliance is installed or shares a common wall or floor with a service room containing such an appliance or an attached garage.
Tenants are advised to contact their landlord immediately if they do not have the required number of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms or if they are not working properly. It is against the law for tenants to remove batteries or tamper with the smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
Visit www.stcatharines.ca/FirePrevention for more information about fire safety for your property, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, provincial requirements and other home safety tips.
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