The City of Toronto and its agencies responded to a six-alarm fire on Tuesday, August 21 and continue to provide supports to residents who have been displaced from the building located at 650 Parliament St.
Late last week, the fire investigation was completed and the privately-owned building was returned to the care and control of the property owner. Wellesley Parliament Square Property Management (WPSPM) has assumed responsibility for communicating with and coordinating services for the displaced residents. Wellesley Parliament Square Property Management can be reached at 647-760-7339, through their website at http://wpsq.ca/ and on Twitter @650parliament.
“We know our city is at its best when people work together to solve big problems. While this is a private building, the City has been working with the property owner to help the approximately 1,500 residents who lived there and are now displaced,” said Mayor John Tory. “The City is fully engaged in making sure we are supporting the property owner and residents as much as possible. I’m encouraging anyone who can to donate new clothing and shoes to the children of 650 Parliament St. for the start of school.”
WPSPM has established a satellite site at 260 Wellesley St. E. so tenants can register for re-entry to reclaim some belongings, receive a laundry card for use at other buildings in the area, register with Red Cross if they have not already and receive food vouchers and Metropasses. Representatives from the Insurance Bureau of Canada will also be on-site so residents can obtain insurance information.
Hotels in the city have advised the Red Cross that they have limited rooms available as the long weekend approaches. Where possible, displaced residents are encouraged to contact family members and friends to arrange for accommodation. Residents who do not have alternate arrangements in place are encouraged to contact WPSPM who is working to find alternative accommodations.
“Our neighbours need us to help them through this very difficult time and I know the residents of Toronto will meet this challenge with compassion and generosity,” said Councillor Lucy Troisi, Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale. “Donations of new clothing and shoes, offers of accommodation from within the community and financial contributions will be warmly and gratefully received.”
Emergency shelter provisions will continue to be made available at the Regent Park Community Centre for those residents who are unable to secure alternate accommodation. Should the need for emergency shelter space exceed the capacity in Regent Park, Wellesley Community Centre will also be made available.
The Red Cross hotline for resident registration and inquiries is 1-855-797-8875.
People who have been displaced need support from the community. Rental accommodation owners who have space that can be made available are asked to email oem@toronto.ca or phone 416-392-3959.
The Canadian Red Cross is accepting financial donations to assist those affected by the fire. Donations can be made online at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
With the beginning of school approaching quickly, new clothing and shoes for children are needed urgently. A donation drive for new clothing is being organized in partnership with Community Matters and Community Corner.
Donations can be made through:
• Community Matters, 260 Wellesley St. E., unit 102
o Accepted Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
o After-hours or weekend drop-offs can be arranged by contacting 416-828-6454.
o More information: 416-944-9697, Chris@communitymatterstoronto.org, www.facebook.com/CMTNeighbours/
• Community Corner, 200 Wellesley Street, 416-964-6657
o Accepted Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The following City’s webpage for the 650 Parliament St. fire will be updated as information becomes available: http://www.toronto.ca/650Parliament
This news release is also available on the City of Toronto website at http://ow.ly/um6m30lAKNR.
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