242 apartments re-occupied at 200 Wellesley St. E.

TORONTO, Oct 4 /CNW/ - Residents of 200 Wellesley St. E. displaced by last week's fire are returning home in phases. Two-hundred and forty-two apartments of the 340 that are safe for return in the South tower are occupied.

"We're urging tenants who have not contacted Toronto Community Housing since the fire, to call our information line," said Mitzie Hunter, Chief Administration Officer. "Tenants who contact us will be kept informed of the progress of their move-in situation as we work to have all the residents from the 340 apartments in the South tower home as soon as possible."

Apartment numbers ending in 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12 and 15 are among those available for re-entry. Only some units ending in 14 are available. Tenants should call 416-981-5520 to determine if their unit is available.

Units in the building's North tower are not yet ready for occupancy. North tower apartment numbers end in 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26. Staff are working 24-hours a day to prepare the North tower. Until the building is fully ready, Toronto Community Housing will make sure North tower tenants have a place to stay and are updated regularly.

Sixty-seven apartments on floors 23, 24 and 25 were extremely damaged by fire, smoke and water because they were closest to the fire. Toronto Community Housing staff is in the process of contacting these residents to make arrangements for long-term accommodation in a furnished Toronto Community Housing apartment. Those who have not yet been reached are urged to call 416.981-5520.

"Staff from Toronto Community Housing, the City of Toronto and community agencies helped residents move home over the weekend," added Hunter. "Tenants received a kit that included a grocery gift card, cleaning supplies, a pre-paid laundry card, community contact numbers and information about fire safety and food safety"

Tenants who require additional support for their move have been identified. South tower residents that have been identified with special requirements will be supported as they move back home this week and will be connected with local support agencies.

The Wellesley Community Centre will remain open to provide support and information. Tenants with questions can call the Tenant Hotline at 416-981-5520, visit www.torontohousing.ca , email [email protected] or visit the information desk at the Wellesley Community Centre located at 495 Sherbourne Street.

Toronto Community Housing is Canada's largest social housing provider and home to more than 164,000 tenants, about 6% of the city's population, with low and moderate incomes. Toronto Community Housing employs 1,400 staff in a broad range of jobs who deliver its mandate to provide quality housing and build great neighbourhoods. Toronto Community Housing is one of Canada's 2010 Top 100 Employers.

For further information:

Media contacts:
(Until 12 noon) Jeffrey Ferrier, Toronto Community Housing, 416-737-1352
(After 12 noon) Sinead Canavan, Toronto Community Housing, 416-891-8665