Doug Ritcey

The City of Kitchener Fire Department applied to the Fire Safety Commission for an order authorizing it to complete work required by an Inspection Order issued to the respondent apartment building owner.

The respondent had failed to comply with the order and was convicted in the Ontario Court of Justice, receiving a Probation Order to remedy the deficiencies.

The parties submitted Minutes of Settlement agreeing that the respondent would complete the work by January 19, 2016, failing which the Fire Department would be authorized to do so.

The Commission found the measures necessary for fire safety and granted the order in accordance with the settlement.

The appellant appealed two Review Decisions upholding Inspection Orders regarding fire safety measures at a seniors' home.

The parties reached a Terms of Resolution prior to the hearing, agreeing to classify the buildings as care occupancies.

The Fire Safety Commission accepted the resolution, upholding and amending the orders to require the installation of a fully addressable fire alarm system, an interim fire watch, and the distribution of fire safety educational materials.

The appellant appealed a Review Decision of the Fire Marshal's delegate that upheld an inspection order requiring the removal of an obstruction to sprinkler discharge caused by a newly constructed vestibule ceiling.

The appellant argued the vestibule did not interfere with water discharge and that sprinklers were not required for such a small area.

The Fire Safety Commission accepted the respondent's evidence that the vestibule ceiling obstructed the sprinkler system and created a fire safety hazard, confirming the Review Decision and ordering compliance.

The applicant fire department sought an order under section 33(1) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act authorizing it to demolish a vacant building owned by the respondent.

The respondent had failed to comply with a prior inspection order requiring demolition.

The Fire Safety Commission found that the building was in extreme disrepair, frequently insecure, and occupied by trespassers, creating a high risk of fire that endangered public safety and first responders.

Concluding that the respondent was unlikely to comply promptly or competently, the Commission granted the application and authorized the applicant to demolish the building.