Convictions for Ontario Fire Code violations at three Toronto properties

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The owners of three Toronto multi-residential properties have pleaded guilty to charges involving Ontario Fire Code violations. Following a 2016 fire at 177 Elmhurst Ave. in Toronto that claimed the life of a tenant and led to charges against the property owners, Toronto Fire Services inspected two other multi-unit residential buildings owned by the Elmhurst Avenue property owners and found numerous Ontario Fire Code violations – prompting more charges.

Thevathurai and Balatharshini Akilan and their property management company, AKS Rental Management Inc., pleaded guilty in Provincial Offences Court to multiple violations of the Ontario Fire Code last week. Thevathurai Akilan has been fined $22,500 plus a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge and court costs. Balatharshini Akilan and the property management company received a suspended sentence plus a two-year probation order. 

“This is an important reminder that violations of the Ontario Fire Code can pose serious risks to residents and can result in tragic consequences,” said Jim Jessop, Deputy Fire Chief. “Toronto Fire Services is committed to ensuring appropriate measures are taken by property owners to achieve both compliance and fire safety.”

Toronto Fire Services continues to work to reduce risk through fire prevention and enforcement strategies involving owners who fail to meet the Ontario Fire Code requirements and jeopardize the safety of individuals and responding firefighters. Fire Services is committed to ensuring that appropriate measures are taken by property owners to achieve fire safety through compliance with the Ontario Fire Code and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

The cause of the November 30, 2016 fire at the unlicensed rooming house at 177 Elmhurst Ave., which contained eight rooms and was occupied by seven tenants, was determined by the Ontario Fire Marshal to be accidental. Toronto Fire Services laid charges after its inspection of the property revealed Ontario Fire Code violations related to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire separations, the absence of a fire alarm system, and insufficient exiting, fire extinguishers, fire rated doors and exit signage. 

In addition to the guilty plea relating to 177 Elmhurst, the owners and their property management company pleaded guilty in Provincial Offences Court on the same day to multiple violations of the Ontario Fire Code related to 45 Irvington Ave. and 57 Farmcrest Dr. AKS Rental Management Inc. has been fined $12,500 plus a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge and court costs for the offences at 45 Irvington Ave. Thevathurai and Balatharshini Akilan received suspended sentences for the offences at both 45 Irvington Ave. and 57 Farmcrest Dr. 

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto is honouring Canada’s 150th birthday with “TO Canada with Love,” a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorontoComms and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto.

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