Skyline Fire Update: Status of your Home
The fire on Sunday, March 12th presented a great deal of personal upheaval and uncertainty for our community of residents at Skyline. Our goal is to respond to your needs by providing the most current and accurate information related to the return to your home and respond to the most pressing questions you have. Bookmark this site and check back regularly for frequent updates.
March 30, 2017 (3:10 pm)
Retrieval of personal items and asbestos
On March 29, the Municipal Councillor and the Ottawa Fire Department held an ‘After the Fire Program Information Session’ which was attended by some of our residents as well as our regional manager, Derek Rider. During the meeting, the question of the return of personal items and asbestos was discussed and, following the meeting, the CBC published an article entitled ‘Residents worry about asbestos after row house fire in Nepean’.
Minto wishes to clarify the matter. As Derek mentioned at the meeting, the extraction of safe and salvageable items is managed by our fire emergency restoration contractor, DFB Associates. They are experts at this activity and abide by all safety regulations and guidelines.
Please rest assured that the items retrieved and returned to you have been treated by DFB, comply with safety standards and are therefore safe to use. If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact Robin Garvey at 613.782.2447 or rgarvey@minto.com.
March 28, 2017 (2:15 pm)
Contractor Access to retrieve contents ends Thursday, March 30 at 4 pm
- For residents with contractors looking to access the building to retrieve contents, the deadline is Thursday, March 30th at 4 pm.
- Access will be given by appointment only and can be scheduled by reaching out to Tim Macdonald (timmacdonald@dfbassociates.com).
- Contents remaining in units as of 4 pm on Thursday, March 30th will be considered abandoned. If residents haven’t done so already, they can recoup these costs through their insurer.
March 21, 2017 (12:30 pm)
Donation Exchange: Saturday, March 25th, 5:30 pm
- On Saturday, March 25th from 5:30 to 10:30 pm, former 32-38 Northview Road residents are holding a Donation Exchange & Sharing event. If you have donations to share, or are still in need, join the group at 1343 Meadowlands Drive East in the Party Room. Or, simply stop by to reconnect with one another.
March 17, 2017 (1:20 pm)
Access for Insurance Adjusters / Contractors
- Insurance Adjusters / Contractors can access the impacted units on Tuesday, March 21st from 8 am to 4 pm - by appointment.
- Only individuals with appropriate Protective Equipment and training in asbestos management will be permitted to access the building.
- Removal of contents can be arranged for Wednesday, March 22nd to Friday, March 24th – also by appointment.
- Please contact Derek Rider at 613-782-2307 or drider@minto.com for scheduling.
March 16, 2017 (7:44 pm)
Postage Mail
- Residents of 32, 34, 36 and 38 Northview Road can pick up their mail at the Canada Post Office located at 19 Colonnade Road, Nepean. Bring ID for complimentary change of address within the next year. If you have already paid for a change of address, please return to Canada Post at 19 Colonnade Road with your receipt to secure a refund.
March 16, 2017 (2:30 pm)
An ‘After The Fire’ Information Session will be held on Wednesday, March 29 from 5 – 8 pm. For more information, click here
March 16, 2017 (11:45 am)
UPDATE: Missing pets
- Good news to share! One of the pets - a cat named Winston – has been found alive along with two geckos!
- Our Facebook photo gallery is still live with photos and descriptions of three cats that remain missing.
UPDATE: Car Port # 7
- Power has now been restored to Car Port #7.
March 16, 2017 (9:30 am)
ADDITIONAL DATE: Gathering Personal Emergency Items
- In addition to yesterday and today, on Friday, March 17th from 9 am to 4 pm, professionals from DFB Associates (our fire emergency restoration contractor) will be on-site to gather your personal emergency items (i.e. wallet, car keys, passport, etc.). Up to two boxes will be supplied for possessions that DFB notes as safe and salvageable.
- Come to the office at 30 Eleanor to connect with your DFB associate.
March 15, 2017 (10:15 am)
Update on missing pets:
- As part of his investigation, the Fire Marshall reported that he didn't observe any evidence that pets remained in the building during the fire.
- A Facebook photo gallery is live with photos and descriptions of three pets - all cats - targeting users within a five mile radius of Skyline.
- Sadly, one pet named Tuxedo has been found, and has passed away.
March 15, 2017 (8:45 am)
Minto Properties' Insurance Adjuster
- For residents and their insurance adjusters who have questions with respect to claims, please reach out to Minto Properties' insurance adjuster from FM Global - Michael Lodge at michael.lodge@fmglobal.com
March 14, 2017 (9:15 pm)
Car Port #7 Access & Hydro Update
- Car port #7 is open should residents need access to sheltered parking off the street - particularly given the weather tonight.
- Security is on-site 24 hours / day to provide resident assistance in the car port should it be required.
- We anticipate that hydro will be restored on Wednesday, providing power to the car port by the end of the day. Check back for updates through this webpage.
March 14, 2017 (9:00 pm)
For residents requiring assistance with insurance, the Insurance Bureau of Canada is available to help. Contact 1.844.227.5422.
March 14, 2017 (1:30 pm)
Gathering Personal Emergency Items:
- On Wednesday, March 15th and Thursday, March 16th from 9 am to 4 pm, professionals DFB Associates (our fire emergency restoration contractor) will be on-site to gather your personal emergency items (i.e. wallet, car keys, passport, etc.). Up to two boxes will be supplied for possessions that DFB notes as safe and salvageable.
- Come to the office at 30 Eleanor to connect with your DFB associate.
March 12, 2017:
- The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The Fire Marshall will be investigating. Until the investigation is complete, Minto personnel (and residents) will not be permitted on the property.
- We ask you to continue to stay clear of the impacted area for your own safety.
- In the meantime, we are working to determine what is required before you can safely return to collect some of your belongings.
- Minto personnel are available to provide assistance if you have inquiries at our office at 10 Deerfield Drive. Over the course of the next week, our office located at 30 Eleanor will also be open and available for inquiries.
- We will continue to be in touch with each of you and will provide updates as information becomes available from the fire department.
Questions you may have:
RESOURCES
Q: What caused the fire on Northview Road?
A: The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Please be assured that we are fully cooperating with the authorities and that we have prioritized the needs of our residents.
Q: Was anyone injured?
A: We can confirm that no people were injured. We are currently working with the community to locate several pets.
Q: Which pets are missing?
A: Click here for photos of missing pets which we are sharing via social media channels.
Q: Who do I call if I have information regarding a missing pet?
A: Please contact Derek Rider, Regional Manager at 613.782.2307.
Q: As a concerned resident, what can I do?
A: We appreciate your support. First and foremost, please abide by all safety measures that are in place around the building. If you believe you have knowledge that may be helpful, please let Derek Rider, Regional Manager, or the authorities know.
Q: Who do we go to with questions?
A: In the short-term, if you have concerns related to this issue you can contact Derek Rider, Regional Manager at 613.782.2307.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Q: Who can I call if I need assistance?
A: Contact the Resident Service Center at 613.225.0493.
Q: How can I find alternate accommodations?
A: We will work with you to find temporary or permanent accommodations. Please visit our Resident Office at 1343 Meadowlands or call 613.786.7921.
Q: When can I access my home?
A: This is currently unknown. We are working with the Ottawa Fire Department to assess the level of damage and determine when you can return to your home or collect your belongings.
Q: Where are the residents staying?
A: Many of the impacted residents are staying with family, friends or another Minto property guest suite with some choosing local hotels provided by their insurance company.
FOOD, CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES
Q: Where can I go for help?
A: The Salvation Army is here to help with your clothing needs and food vouchers. There are several locations in the city: ottawaboothcentre.org.
INSURANCE
Q: Will I be reimbursed for damage to the contents of my residence?
A: We recommend you reach out to your insurance company right away to inform them of the situation and learn more about your coverage.
As a community, we all share a sense of gratitude that there were no casualties in the fire. Your quick reaction on the scene was inspiring. We are also grateful for the patience and collaboration of everyone involved during these trying circumstances - the Red Cross, Salvation Army, fire and police departments and other public services for their quick and efficient intervention.
Contact Information
Resident Service Center
Salvation Army - Ottawa Booth Centre
171 George St, Ottawa
613.241.1573. Ext 301
ottawaboothcentre.org