Charges filed in fatal basement suite fire
February 04, 2009
CALGARY, AB - Alberta Health Services - Calgary, has filed charges in connection with the fatal basement suite fire that occurred January 26, 2009.
Inspection of the rental property, located at 515 33 Street N.W., revealed breaches of the Public Health Act and Minimum Housing & Health Standards. As a result of these breaches, the owner(s) of the property will face seven charges, including failure to ensure housing premises were in safe condition; failure to ensure required smoke alarms were operational and in good repair at all times; and failure to ensure that security bars provided on the bedroom windows could be opened from the inside without the use of tools or special knowledge.
"Every landlord has a responsibility to know, understand and comply with minimum housing and health standards," says Robert Bradbury, Director of Health Protection. "Properties that do not meet these standards aren't only in violation of the law - they're potentially very dangerous."
Individuals concerned with the safety of a Calgary-area rental property are encouraged to report the concern to Alberta Health Services - Calgary, Environmental Health at 403-943-2295.
AHS - Calgary Environmental Health responded to over 2,100 rental property complaints in 2008.
Information on housing inspections, the Public Health Act and Minimum Housing & Health Standards can be found online at www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/publichealth/envhealth/
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Shannon M. Evans
Alberta Health Services Communications
Phone: 403-943-0597
