The Saskatoon Fire Department reports that from ongoing inspections of the Lighthouse Supported Living dating back to last April, a number of deficiencies have been highlighted that must be remedied. Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer says the deficiencies need to be addressed to make sure work and living conditions at the Lighthouse don’t deteriorate. The Fire Department doesn’t want the issues to compound like has been seen elsewhere.
Raymer emphasizes they are not closing the Lighthouse. Inspectors have determined the risks in the building are less than the risk posed by displacing the people that use the shelter. The deadline for the work is the end of this month, and if not done by then the Saskatoon Fire Department can contract the work and bill the Lighthouse for the repairs, and discuss payment terms.
Inspections and results:
-One fire inspection in April 2021 and four re-inspections since (three in December 2021 and one in January 2022)
-Four Property Maintenance Nuisance Abatement Bylaw inspections (September, November and January)
-42 Fire Safety Act contraventions pertaining to failing to maintain life safety systems and building systems (i.e. electrical, sprinklers, fire alarm system, lack of records, failing to maintain means of egress, failing to maintain fire separations)
-One Fire Safety Act Order to Remedy related to 42 contraventions
-Two Bylaw Orders to Remedy (one for structural assessment-December; one for various property maintenance issues-January)
-Fire investigation December 10 revealed careless disposal of smoking materials
-14 tickets related to the 42 Fire Safety Act contraventions (issued December 10 & January 6)
-One ticket related to junk/garbage under the Property Maintenance Nuisance Abatement Bylaw (January)
There are outstanding issues arising from inspections that remain under investigation.
The SFD will not be closing the Lighthouse; inspectors determine the risks in the building are less than the risk posed by displacing occupants. Instead, SFD has issued Orders to Remedy. The Lighthouse has been ordered to fix the hazards by the end of January. If the hazards are not remedied by then, SFD may contract the work, bill the Lighthouse for the repairs and then discuss payment terms.
Following the most recent visit to the Lighthouse on January 4, that inspection identified:
Two sinks removed in a bathroom off the dining room, which is currently converted into a temporary shelter area due to COVID-19
One water heater not working; multiple other water heaters remained fully functional
A small water and sewer backup in the service room with slight wet staining around the drain
Since the January 4 inspection, the water heater has been fixed. Showers and sinks with hot water remained intact for all other suites and bathrooms. The deficiencies identified by SFD are considered to be minor and can be rectified by a plumber.
“We are not aware of the current financial situation of the Lighthouse, but it is our view that the repairs required to complete the orders are relatively minor,” notes Assistant Chief Raymer. “However, if the Lighthouse requires assistance in completing these repairs, we would invite them to reach out to the Saskatoon Fire Department to discuss their various options.”
Other deficiencies can be fixed by hiring qualified tradespeople or other service contractors that would be able to ensure the Lighthouse is a safe facility for staff and residents.
