Orleans Explosion

The early morning of Monday, February 13, presented a great deal of personal upheaval and uncertainty for the residents of our Avalon Vista community. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this incident.

As a community, we all share a sense of gratitude that there were no fatalities in the explosion. We thank Ottawa Fire, Police and Paramedic Services for their incredible efforts and ongoing assistance, as well as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, local businesses, and community members for supporting Avalon Vista residents during this traumatic time.

To address the most pressing questions you have, we will update this site with new information as it becomes available.

Updates:

As of March 10th, 3 pm

Currently, we continue to assess each home under construction individually, including an additional inspection by a Structural Engineer.
Our team is also working with suppliers to expedite replacement materials and reschedule Trade partners as soon as possible.
We’re in the process of reaching out to our future homeowners with new closing dates as they become known.
Our focus remains on the construction of our community so residents can move into their new homes as soon as possible.

As of March 2nd, at 9 am:

STATEMENT: We are relieved that the Ottawa Police Arson Unit has made an arrest and laid charges in connection with the explosion at our Avalon Vista community. We are grateful to the authorities for their steadfast support throughout this investigation and our thoughts continue to be with those who were injured. Our focus remains on the construction of our community so residents can move into their new homes as soon as possible. – Brent Strachan, President, Minto Communities Canada – Ontario

As of February 22nd, at 6 pm

STATEMENT: Following the update provided by the Ottawa Police Service earlier today, Minto Communities continues to fully support authorities in this active investigation. The authorities have turned the site back over to Minto Communities which has allowed us to begin the clean-up and commence the assessment of the homes under construction at the time of the explosion. We hope to resume construction as soon as possible and remain focused on safety as our top priority. - Brent Strachan, President, Minto Communities Canada - Ontario

As of February 17, 4 pm

The investigation into Monday’s explosion continues to be led by investigative authorities
Authorities continue to be focused on ensuring the site is safe for residents to return home as quickly as possible
As of today, 18 of the displaced families have been provided access to their homes
Our Minto Communities team has reached out to all homeowners who have homes under construction in Avalon Vista. Once we are granted access to each unit, we will work diligently to assess and understand the next steps for our customers waiting to move in
A portion of the community has been fenced off for the investigation and assessment by a Structural Engineer of some homes under construction outside the investigation area has begun
Our Site team is actively helping with debris clean up and temporary repairs where it is safe to do so

As of February 16, 10:30 am

Authorities are focused on ensuring the site is safe for residents to return home as quickly as possible
The City of Ottawa is advising homeowners when the hydro and gas service has been restored to their homes and when they can return
As of last evening, 18 families have been provided access to their homes
Our Minto Communities team is on-site and available to help with emergency repairs to damaged windows and doors
Homeowners looking for updates on the status of the evacuation can contact Councillor Catherine Kitts’ office at [email protected] or 613-580-2489
The Drop-In Centre in the Lori Nash Room at Ray Friel Recreation Complex at 1585 10th Line Road is open today from 9 am to 5 pm
The investigation into Monday’s explosion continues to be led by Emergency Services

As of February 15, at 12 p.m.

Access to the community continues to remain restricted as authorities continue their investigation.
Authorities are focused on ensuring the site is safe for residents to return home as quickly as possible
A Drop-in Centre for residents is open at Ray Friel Recreation Complex at 1585 10th Line Road from 9 am to 5 pm in the Lori Nash Room

As of February 13:

STATEMENT: Minto Communities can confirm that Ottawa Fire, Police, and Paramedic Services are on the scene at our Avalon Vista community in Orleans to investigate a gas leak and explosion this morning. Minto team members are on-site to address the needs of impacted community members and we have opened our model homes to keep evacuated residents warm and comfortable. We are working with authorities to identify the cause of the explosion and fully cooperating in the investigation. We will share more information as it becomes available. As always, safety is our top priority, and our thoughts are with everyone affected. – Brent Strachan, President, Minto Communities Canada – Ontario.

Questions you may have - Updated February 15, at 12 p.m.

Avalon Vista Residents

Q: When can I move back into my home?
A: We do not know when residents will be permitted to return to their homes at this time. Authorities are still assessing the site and the extent of the damages to each home.

We are following the lead and guidance of our emergency services, who will make the decision on when it is safe for residents to return home. Homeowners looking for updates on the status of the evacuation can contact Councillor Catherine Kitts’ office at [email protected] or 613-580-2489.

Q: What if I need food, clothing, or other necessities?
A: The Salvation Army can help with clothing needs and food vouchers. There are several locations in the city: thriftstore.ca/Ottawa/locations.

Q: Will I be reimbursed for my accommodations and/or damage to my residence?
A: We recommend reaching out to your insurance company right away to inform them of the situation and determine next steps in filing a claim.

Q: Is counselling support available?
A: Ottawa Public Health has a list of mental health resources you can find here.

Avalon Vista Home Purchasers

Q: I have purchased a home in Avalon Vista. Will this impact my move-in date?
A: At this time, Avalon Vista continues to be under the care of investigative authorities, with access to many homes, both occupied and under construction, restricted to ensure safety. As such, we cannot access the homes to accurately determine the impact to the construction schedule, if any. We know how important a closing date is to a household planning a move and will be in touch as soon as we are able to safely access the site.

Q: Was the home I am purchasing damaged in the explosion?
A: We have already contacted households whose future homes were clearly damaged in the explosion and have reached out to all future Avalon Vista homeowners. In addition to the full set of standard safety inspections by authorities, we’re also taking the extra step of ensuring that all unoccupied homes under construction are reassessed by a Structural Engineer before closing to provide homebuyers with additional peace of mind. We will continue to keep our homeowners updated as we learn more.

Local Community Members

Q: Are there opportunities to volunteer to help with clean-up or other efforts?
A: While we appreciate offers for on-site and clean-up support, due to health and safety issues, we are unable to have members of the public on-site. If you are looking for ways to help members of the Avalon Vista Community, please contact the Red Cross.

Minto Communities Ottawa
Customer Experience
[email protected]

Salvation Army
thriftstore.ca/Ottawa/locations

Minto Communities Ottawa
Media Relations
Anne Murphy
[email protected]