The tenants who were displaced after a hydro vault exploded in their east-end Toronto building over the weekend will finally be allowed back home to gather their belongings.
The Fire Marshal's Office made the announcement late Friday afternoon, five days after 900 residents were forced from their homes with only the clothes on their backs.
Paramedics will be on the scene at 2 Secord Ave. while tenants retrieve their belongings because the elevator still isn't working, said Bill Hiscott, an investigator with the FMO's office.
Everyone will have to use the staircase to access apartments inside the 21-storey building, he told reporters at a news conference. They will also have to don masks to protect them from potentially harmful fumes.
Tenants will access the building on Saturday and Sunday and will have 15 minutes to retrieve their belongings.
"The fact that we can go back in and grab out stuff is a bonus," said one resident.
For the last week, tenants have received help from their family, friends and the city who arranged for families to sleep in local hotels and even the neighbouring elementary school. Residents have been given meal vouchers and if they were eligible, a relief cheque from social services.
Officials say it will be at least a month before 2 Secord Ave. will reopen permanently to its residents.
The building's owner has reimbursed tenants for the remaining days in July. Tenants were also told the August rent cheque would not be cashed.
The explosion caused major damage to the building and blew out an electrical room. Emergency officials have barred tenants from living in the building during the investigation because there is no electricity or water for people to use.
The city has opened up a bank account for members of the public who wish to donate funds to the tenants. For more information, visit the City of Toronto website.
