18 still homeless after fire

18 still homeless after fire
By Dan Hilborn, Burnaby Now assistant editor
Published July 30, 2003


Residents of the Cascades West condominium complex are slowly moving back into their homes after last week's devastating fire. But some will have a longer wait than others.

A total of 18 suites suffered the most serious damage and tenants of those units will not be allowed to move back into their homes for some time, said Debbie Clyne, emergency social services director in Burnaby.

But tenants in the remaining 42 suites began moving back into their homes on Monday morning, as portions of the building were declared suitable for occupation by Burnaby building inspectors, Clyne said.

Dave Butler, acting supervisor of the Burnaby building inspection division, believed the occupants of the 42 unaffected suites would be able to move back into their homes by the end of the day Tuesday (last night), however, the remainder will probably have to wait much longer.

"I think it could take three or four months to get those 18 units cleaned and stripped," said Butler. "They have to apply for building permits, the engineer has to assess them for structural damage, whether the fire wall was breached or if it is still sound, and then we need working drawings and letters of assurance from the engineer."

Meanwhile, Clyne said it was simply good luck that a majority of suites were self-owned, and most of the owners and renters had content insurance.

On Monday, the B.C. Automobile Association took the unusual step of issuing a press release reminding renters and homeowners to make sure they have adequate insurance in the event of a disaster.

According to the press release, BCAA had policies on six suites in the building, with an average of $40,000 in contents per suite, plus more than $20,000 per suite for additional living expenses.

A trust fund has been set up to assist those people who did not have insurance.

Donations can be made to the Richmond branch No. 26 of VanCity Credit Union, account number 186 262, with cheques payable to 'Strata Plan LMS 367, disaster relief.'