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A downtown landlord has been convicted under the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code after an investigation led to the discovery of building code issues, missing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and other infractions at two downtown rental properties.
One of the properties is a problematic building at 412 to 414 St. Paul Street. The landlord was charged with ‘Failing to Comply with an Order’ laid under the Ontario Building Code and received a fine of $7,500.
“We take Ontario building code violations very seriously as they can pose significant risks to the safety and livability of St. Catharines,” said Chief Building Official John Lane. “As we work to protect the rights of tenants and promote responsible property management, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Such penalties send a clear message that we will not tolerate negligence when it comes to adhering to building codes.”
Additional fines of $7,500 were also imposed by the court after being found guilty of one count of ‘Failing to Comply with an Order’ under the Fire Prevention and Protection Act. Two counts of ‘Failing to Install Smoke Alarm’ at $2,500 each and two counts of ‘Failing to Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm’ at $2,500 a piece were also laid in connection to a second property owned by the landlord at 31 Page Street.
“Missing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in a residence is a very serious matter. A house fire or CO leaking when people are fast asleep often has deadly consequences when there are no alarms in place to warn there’s a problem,” said St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper. “Smoke alarms and CO detectors are proven to save lives by giving residents an early warning and the precious time they need to get out.”
A reminder to landlords and residents - the Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every level of a home and working carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas and in service rooms when a property has fuel-burning furnaces and appliances, fireplaces and attached garages.
Visit stcatharines.ca/FireSafety for more information about smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and fire safety.
Tenants can find property standards and rental property information by reviewing the by-law and links at stcatharines.ca/PropertyStandards.
The landlord is set to pay $25,000 in total fines and they will also serve two years' probation. Charges involving the co-accused involved in the case are expected to conclude later in the year.
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