Hamilton’s YMCA says damage to its downtown branch from Monday’s fire is “more extensive than we initially anticipated.”
The charity has an “urgent need for a more comprehensive transition plan that will require additional time,” it said in a media release on Wednesday afternoon.
The branch at 79 James St. S. will stay closed until some time next week, including the fitness and aquatic centre, a newcomer youth centre and EarlyON child care drop-in centre.
Almost a dozen people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out at the YMCA’s transitional housing residence for men on Monday, according to the local fire department. They were among 24 rescued rescued from the building, including some by aerial ladders.
YMCA said 173 tenants had to be evacuated from the building. The residence provides men with short-term affordable housing, the YMCA’s website says. It supports “men at risk,” who face health and social challenges.
Hamilton’s mayor, Andrea Horwath, said the city’s Emergency Social Services Team, Red Cross and other community partners are helping affected residents.
Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said in a press release Monday the fire caused an estimated $1 million in damages.
Residents experiencing ‘a great deal of anxiety’
While the branch is closed, spokesperson Shawn McKillop told CBC Hamilton about 90 people stayed overnight in the building on Tuesday. Some tenants will continue to stay overnight with the support of the Red Cross “as we work through accommodation plans,” the YMCA’s media release said.
YMCA also said the Ontario fire marshal visited the building on Tuesday and the charity is in touch with its insurance providers.
Manny Figueiredo, president and chief executive officer of the local YMCA, said it has been a “tremendous time of crisis” that has taken a toll on residents, members and the whole community.
“Our residents are experiencing a great deal of anxiety due to the displacement they are enduring. We understand the profound impact this situation has had on their lives, and we are committed to providing all the support we can,” he said in the media release.