Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA to resume services

The Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA location will resume services on Monday, after a large fire last month shut everything down.

On July 22, a fire ignited and tore through the third floor of the building on James Street South.

Emergency responders dispatched to the YMCA to find heavy smoke, with residents hanging out of windows.

One YMCA resident told CHCH News that the hallways were black with smoke and all the lights were out. Another member said she initially thought it was a fire drill.

At this time, the fire marshal is investigating and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

READ MORE: Some displaced YMCA residents can return following fire damage

Eighteen fire trucks were on the scene and more than 65 firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

It left 11 people in the hospital, 173 tenants displaced, caused around $1 million in damages, and completely shut down services at the facility.

Now, just over 40 men have returned to units on the second floor, and the facility is resuming services. Officials say the restoration on the fourth and fifth floors continues.

The men living in those units may be able to move back in about a week at the earliest.

There is still no estimated return date for those living on the third floor.

– with files from Amanda Destro

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