(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Nearly two weeks after a fire destroyed a Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) apartment building at 8 King Street, West in Colborne, accommodations have been identified for the 20 tenants displaced by the January 30 incident.
From the earliest hours during the fire, Northumberland County Social Services Housing staff have worked one-on-one with affected tenants to help navigate this distressing and uncertain period. Through this close collaboration, individualized housing plans have now been confirmed for all tenants. These plans reflect a range of pathways, including independent housing solutions identified by tenants themselves, vacancies within NCHC units, placements in non-profit housing, rent supplements to support market accommodations, and other arrangements.
Tenants will begin transitioning to these units over the coming weeks as preparations are finalized, with all tenants anticipated to be relocated by mid-March.
Four individuals will have accommodations in Colborne, two have been supported to relocate outside of Northumberland (at their request), and accommodations throughout Northumberland have been identified for the remaining tenants.
At this point, all 17 tenants who moved to hotel on January 30 remain in hotel while preparations for their respective units are finalized.
The County states there are no stoves in the hotel and all food costs continue to be the responsibility of the tenant. However some supports have been coordinated during their hotel stay:
Breakfast is provided daily.
Dinners are delivered 4 times per week from Hope and Light Outreach and Salvation Army
The Food 4 All warehouse provided a box of nonperishable items to each tenant
Many also have insurance that may cover food-related costs.
“Behind each housing plan is a person who has experienced real loss,” says NCHC Board Chair Cathy Borowec.
“I am deeply thankful for County Social Services staff, who have walked alongside these individuals with care, patience, and determination since the earliest moments of setting up the Evacuation Centre on January 30. Their work has helped ensure that tenants not only had immediate support, but also a clear and compassionate path forward during an incredibly difficult time.”
Northumberland County wishes to acknowledge and thank the broader community for the outpouring of generosity shown in the days since the fire. Community benefits are being hosted and businesses have indicated support. Also, many residents and organizations have reached out with offers of help, messages of support, and questions about how they could assist those affected.
While the County is not coordinating donations directly, financial contributions in support of tenants can continue to be made through the Colborne Legion at ColborneLegion187.ca, which has itself donated $2,000 to relief efforts.
Please include a note in the comments section on the donation page, directing your donation to 8 King Street Fire Relief.
Note that household goods and other types of donations are not being accepted at this time.
“The empathy and generosity shown to those affected has been truly emblematic of the kind of community we have here in Cramahe Township and across Northumberland. In moments like this, it is heartwarming to see neighbours, organizations, and partners come together with such care and concern,” states Mandy Martin, Northumberland County Deputy Warden and Mayor of Cramahe Township.
“I also want to recognize and thank our remarkable Housing staff. They responded to this incident quickly, thoughtfully, and with a deep sense of responsibility, reflecting the County’s commitment to supporting people with dignity, capability, and care.”
Work at the site of the fire is ongoing. The NCHC continues to work closely with its insurance provider to assess the damage and proceed with the safe clearance of debris – a necessary step before longer-term decisions about the property can be made.
Cathy Borowec adds: “Our responsibility is both to the tenants who called this building home and to the community as a whole. While our immediate focus has been supporting residents through relocation, we are also taking diligent steps with our insurer to assess the site and ensure it is safely cleared.”
Residents have begun transitioning to identified housing accommodations. Hotel support will continue until all residents have relocated.
Response to Northumberland County Housing Fire in Colborne Gets High Praise
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
