Residents of a Windsor apartment complex displaced due to heat and hydro issues have been given a few more days.
The City of Windsor announced Tuesday afternoon that the temporary shelter at the Constable John Atkinson Memorial Community Centre, which had been offered to residents at 1616 Ouellette Avenue needing an accommodation, will close on Monday.
"Over the coming days, City staff, Housing Information Services, and other community partners will continue working with displaced tenants to help them find a safe place to stay while they await the re-opening of the building at 1616 Ouellette as well as helping residents who are seeking out other affordable housing options that are currently available in the community," read the release from the City. "This includes assisting people in applying to the Central Housing Registry for social housing and looking at supportive and affordable housing options in the private rental market."
Those living at 1616 Ouellette Avenue were ordered out last week for safety reasons after the failure of the boiler resulted in a lack of heat. There were also problems with the building's electricity and life safety systems. The Atkinson Centre was offered to those residents who did not have other arrangements for shelter.
The City said it has been working with the building's owners, who have hired a new management team. That company has hired contractors to take charge of repairs and progress has been made, but it is too soon to say when the complex will be ready for occupancy again.
Once the Atkinson Centre shelter closes Monday, residents will continue to receive assistance, including support in finding new affordable housing should they decide to move out of 1616 Ouellette.
The City worked with the Canadian Red Cross and other community partners on a round-the-clock basis to operate the Atkinson Centre shelter. There has also been no word on when the City will reopen the centre for recreational programming.