‘This neglect is shameful:’ Heat restored for Midtown tenants as arctic blast arrives
Posted February 3, 2023 6:45 am.
Last Updated February 3, 2023 6:49 am.
Some residents in Midtown Toronto who have been shivering in their apartment building for nearly a week are finally getting some relief just as the coldest air in years arrives in the city.
Coun. Josh Matlow says 80 per cent of tenants at The Fleetwood, located on St. Clair Avenue just west of Yonge Street, had their heat restored by Thursday evening.
“We have also ensured that the landlord will provide compensation to tenants for the extra costs associated with running space heaters,” tweeted Matlow on Thursday.
He added that city staff will continue their work until the radiators in the building are back on for every resident.
City staff had been at the building over the past couple of days offering up space heaters to residents. Mayor John Tory also visited the property on Thursday.
64 St. Clair Ave W. Update: I can now confirm that 80% of tenants now have their heat restored. City staff remain on site this evening and we will not stop until the radiators are back on, and every resident is safe and warm.
— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) February 2, 2023
The problems began at the building last week due to a broken boiler. Residents say they resorted to reaching out to the city after not getting anywhere with building management about having the repair work done.
Matlow says he has been contacted by tenants in Scarborough and North York who live in buildings run by the same property management, Briar Lane. The councillor says the residents reported having similar issues with heating and were asking the city for help.
“I have contacted city staff have been assured that inspectors will visit as soon as possible,” Matlow tweeted. “It’s freezing in Toronto and this neglect is shameful, and most importantly, unsafe.”
Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for the city and much of southern Ontario as a blast of cold Arctic air blankets the region.
Winds picked up late Thursday into Friday morning as a polar vortex made its presence known. Environment Canada says northwest wind gusts will hover around 30 km/h and top out at 50 km/h, leading to wind chill values of -30.
