After meeting Thursday morning, officials from the City of Windsor and Windsor Fire and Rescue Services say a Transit Windsor bus will be stationed outside Westcourt Place from noon until 3 p.m.
Residents were evacuated from Westcourt Place Tuesday after a fire broke out on the second floor of the parking garage. Since then, there has been no power, water or heat in the building.
The bus will serve as a staging area for residents who need access to the high-rise building today, have a pet they had to leave behind, and those who did not have a chance to pick up essential belongings Wednesday night.
A release from the city said all pets would need to be moved from the building, and Thursday will be their last opportunity to gain access to the high-rise until further notice.
A reception centre at the WFCU Centre will be able to accommodate pets where food, crates, litter, and bedding is available.
Officials will also be there to help owners move their vehicles from the parking garage. Whether a car will be moved will be decided case by case. Some vehicles will have to remain in the garage because the investigation is ongoing.
The building remains closed and is expected to for the next 72 hours until power can be restored.
The Westcourt Place ownership has sent a representative from Toronto to help the local building manager safely restore power to the building. It is not yet clear when power will be restored since the equipment and sensors will need to be tested, and inspections will have to take place.
Canada Post is working with the property manager to make sure residents get access to their mail. Right now, it is being held at the distribution centre on Walker Road.
Residents are also asked to keep receipts in case their insurance can cover expenses incurred during the evacuation.
The Provincial Offences Office remains closed. If you have a suspended license and need to pay a fine, you can pay at any Service Ontario location. Tickets can also be paid online at paytickets.ca.