Sunday, September 8, 2024

Downtown Hamilton YMCA residents displaced by fire given timeline on return

First Published:

The YMCA’s says the second floor could reopen in about a week.

In the meantime, they will expand the temporary accommodation options for the 173 men displaced by the fire last week.

READ MORE: ‘Not knowing is the hardest part’: Hundreds of men displaced by fire at YMCA in Hamilton

The Red Cross initially stepped in to provide temporary emergency shelter to those who were displaced by the fire, providing the facility with sleeping cots for its gymnasium where at least 118 people opted to stay.

The YMCA says it plans to reach out to local long-term care facilities, post-secondary schools and hotels for any available space.

Some residents are expected to move into accommodations this weekend and early next week.

However, the YMCA’s website says the third, fourth and fifth floors need more work.

“The status of the third floor is unclear, as it was impacted the most,” Shawn McKillop, a spokesperson from the YMCA said.

“We continue to assess the full damage, and as restoration efforts are underway, we do not yet have a timeline for or extent of the renovations. The damage to the third floor is extensive. There are 43 residents on the third floor.”

The fire broke out in a unit on the third floor last Monday, resulting in extensive damage on multiple levels from the heavy smoke.

A displaced resident shows a timeline of the YMCA’s plans to reopen the shuttered residences (CHCH News).

READ MORE: 24 people rescued, 11 in hospital after multiple-alarm fire at downtown Hamilton YMCA

So far, the Salvation Army also says they have provided a total of one thousand meals and about 150 articles of clothing. 

Meals will continue to be provided until the situation is resolved. 

As work continues, the downtown facility remains closed to the public, with a pause on its usual recreation activities.

The YMCA’s website says the branch will remain closed, and updates will be given when there’s a reopening date.

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