All tenants affected by fatal Colborne fire relocated

Fatal Apartment Fire in Colborne. Courtesy of Mandy Martin Facebook.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Nearly two weeks after a fire destroyed a Northumberland County Housing Corporation residence at 8 King St., Colborne, the county announces that housing plans have been confirmed for the 20 residents affected.

County Social Services Housing staff have worked one-on-one with affected tenants from the earliest hours of this event to help navigate this distressing and uncertain period – and individualized housing plans have now been confirmed for all.

“These plans reflect a range of pathways, including independent housing solutions identified by the tenants themselves, vacancies within NCHC units, placements in non-profit housing, rent supplements to support market accommodations and other arrangements,” the announcement listed.

NCHC Board Chair Cathy Borowec noted that each housing plan represents someone who has experienced real loss.

“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 Jan. 30,” Borowec said.

“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.”

The county acknowledges and thanks the broader community for the outpouring of generosity shown since the fire. Community benefits are being hosted, businesses have indicated support, and many residents and organizations have reached out with offers of help, messages of support and questions about how they may assist those affected.

While the county is not co-ordinating donations directly, financial contributions in support of tenants can continue to be made through the Colborne Legion, which has itself donated $2,000 to relief efforts. When donating on-line, please include a note in the comments section directing your donation to 8 King Street Fire Relief.

Please note that donations of household goods and other such donations are not being accepted at this time.

Northumberland County Deputy Warden and Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin commended the community's empathy and generosity.

“In moments like this, it is heart-warming to see neighbours, organizations and partners come together with such care and concern,” Martin said.

“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 continues, with the NCHC working 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.

“Our responsibility is both to the tenants who called this building home and to the community as a whole,” Borowec commented.

“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 into identified accommodations. Hotel support will continue until all residents have relocated.