An Ontario landlord has received a jail sentence after being found guilty on seven charges in connection with a tragic fire in Brampton that resulted in the deaths of a pregnant woman and her daughter over three years ago.
The landlord, who was prosecuted under Ontario’s Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, has been sentenced to 135 days in custody to be served consecutively, along with a two-year probation period. Additionally, the City of Brampton disclosed in a press release that the landlord must pay fines totaling $50,000 and $10,000 in victim surcharges.
The fatal fire occurred on June 2, 2023, at 47 Jade Crescent around 11 p.m., claiming the life of a three-year-old girl and causing severe injuries to another family member. Brampton Fire and Emergency Services pressed seven charges, including violations related to fire separations and the maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Following investigations, it was revealed that the property, originally designated as a legal two-unit residence, had been illicitly converted into four units without the necessary permits. Despite not meeting the Ontario Building Code and Fire Code standards, the additional units were rented out, posing a significant hazard to the occupants, as per the city’s findings.
Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton emphasized that the tragic deaths could have been prevented. He expressed condolences to the family of the victims and stressed the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations, stating that property owners bear the responsibility of ensuring the proper installation, maintenance, and functionality of mandated smoke alarms.
Brampton’s Fire Chief, Andy Glynn, highlighted the critical need for operational smoke alarms in every household and emphasized the significance of compliance with Ontario’s Fire Code to safeguard lives. He urged residents to regularly test their smoke alarms, while reminding property owners of their legal obligation to uphold the legislation to avoid endangering lives.
Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg extended his deepest sympathies to the family affected by the tragedy and underscored the legal obligation of landlords in Ontario to have functioning smoke alarms in their properties. Pegg emphasized the life-saving role of operational smoke alarms in providing early warnings during emergencies, stressing the importance of adhering to Ontario’s Fire Code for the safety of individuals in their homes.