Fire Code enforcement nets over $20,000 in fines

The Fire Prevention Division of Welland Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) continues to inspect properties across the City to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. WFES has had extensive dealings with the property 188 Maple Avenue, City of Welland.

In January 2021, WFES attended the property 188 Maple Avenue to follow-up on a fire safety complaint. While on scene, Fire Prevention Officers (FPOs) discovered a two-storey building, with a commercial occupancy on the ground floor and residential apartments on the second floor.

During this time, a fire safety inspection occurred, and numerous deficiencies were identified. The issues identified included deficiencies with the building’s fire alarm system and other fire safety issues. An inspection order was issued to the corporate owners of the property to rectify these issues.

In June 2021, WFES re-attended the property to verify compliance with the inspection order. During the inspection, it was discovered the order had not been complied with. A prosecution was initiated for failing to comply with an inspection order pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA), 1997.

In July 2021, WFES returned again to verify compliance, and discovered numerous other Fire Code deficiencies in the building. Due to the existence of these issues, a prosecution was initiated against the corporate ownership again for Fire Code deficiencies pursuant to the FPPA.

In July 2022 and recently in December 2022, the corporate ownership was convicted in provincial offences court for failing to comply with an inspection order and numerous Fire Code offences pursuant to the FPPA. Including victim fine surcharge and court costs, fines totaling approximately $20,000 were registered upon conviction for these offences.

As of today, WFES can report that the majority of fire safety issues have been rectified at the building, and that the Fire Prevention Division is working with the ownership toward compliance on a final inspection order, with a compliance date in the near future.

WFES would like to remind residents that compliance with the Fire Code is always mandatory. If a property owner or occupant receives an inspection order, they comply with the order prior to the compliance date. WFES provides reasonable opportunity to achieve compliance with inspection orders. WFES would like to remind residents, and in particular landlords, that Fire Code deficiencies will not be tolerated.

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