Welland Fire and Emergency Services has concluded a years-long enforcement and prosecution over serious Ontario Fire Code violations.
Officials say fines are for the owners of 52 Hellems Avenue and the associated address of 147 Division Street.
A court decision saw the corporate owner and its director fined a combined $287,500, including court costs. Repeated inspections dating back to 2021 found worsening conditions that posed an immediate risk to tenants, leading to the building’s closure in September 2023.
The closure displaced residents for an extended period, with fire officials working alongside the region's social services to support tenants and help secure alternative housing.
Fire officials say the outcome reinforces that property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe buildings and that serious violations will result in significant consequences.
(Written by: Matt Latour)