Fire at historic O’Connor House in east end

Crews battled a fire at the historic O’Connor House in the city’s east end on Wednesday.

There’s no word yet on what started the blaze at 60 Rowena Dr. near Victoria Park Avenue and Ellesmere Road. 

The fire reportedly started on the second floor..

The O’Connor House, which used to be the home of Sen. Frank O’Connor, was undergoing a $5 million renovation funded largely by the federal government, Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), and private donations.

The TCDSB owns the property.

“I saw the flames earlier and I broke down and cried because there has been so many people that have been involved (in the renovation) for so long,” said Tony Wagner, O’Connor House. “You pour your heart and soul into this for so long, it’s tough.”

The House is on the same estate as the Senator O’Connor College School, which was evacuated. CityNews has learned the school’s vice principal was one of the first to see the smoke, and rushed to make sure workers aware of the fire and were able to escape.

The school was not damaged and no injuries were reported.

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