Residents of the Stadacona Apartments in Moose Jaw were notified of an order to evacuate the building Oct. 3, following multiple points of failure on a routine fire safety inspection conducted one day earlier.
The evacuation order directly affects 24 individuals who live in 16 of the building’s 18 suites.
The order was given in response to violations of the Fire Safety Act and in consideration for the safety of the building’s residents.
“The safety issues with that building just warranted us to shut it down,” Moose Jaw Fire Chief Rod Montgomery said at a conference on Oct. 3. “Not only fire issues, there (were) building infractions, electrical issues and certainly gas…”
Among the issues discovered in the inspection were windows that could not be opened, deteriorating flooring at fire escapes, suites without doors or locks, and an accumulation of combustible materials blocking escape routes.
The most pressing concern was an active gas leak and buildup, which resulted in a utility shutoff.
“So, to some degree we were very lucky as gas was building up in a place and the inspector shut the gas completely off,” Montgomery said. “We’re fortunate that it happened because it could’ve been a lot worse.”
Several fire safety devices including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire alarm pull switches were inoperable, according to Montgomery.
“Certainly, one of the number one concerns that triggered the evacuation was we couldn’t let people sleep in there at night knowing that they had no means to perhaps be alerted to the situation or to get out of the building,” he said.
The City of Moose Jaw has issued a press release stating that the building’s residents have been offered immediate help relocating, thanks to assistance from Social Services.
Further assistance is being provided by the John Howard Society, which is helping affected residents with hygiene packs, food, and clothing.
The Moose Jaw Housing Authority is assisting any inquiring residents with applications for available housing units.
The Moose Jaw Police Service had its Police and Crisis Team (PACT) unit on scene, and along with help from paramedics, residents were assisted during the evacuation process.
According to police chief Rick Bourassa, residents were cooperative and voluntarily accepted the terms of the evacuation order.
“From what I’ve seen from our members, who are just finishing up, it all went very well," Bourassa said. "People are now in better circumstances than they were before.”
Anyone wishing to help the displaced residents can do so by making a donation to the John Howard Society, located at 15 Hochelaga Street West. Ideal items to donate include food and clothing.
The Stadacona Apartment building is located at 79 Stadacona Street West.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
