Over 30 residents unable to return home after devastating Aylmer Arms fire 

Sophie Demers 

Aylmer Arms is a non-profit organization providing affordable housing to semi-retired and retired seniors. On June 29, 200 residents were evacuated when the building was engulfed in flames. Today over 30 residents are still unable to access their homes or their belongings. 

The cause of the fire remains unknown, according to Aylmer Arms board president Stéphane Marcil. “We learned from the media that it would be an electrical failure but none of that was officially sent to us. I know that there is no investigation at the criminal level,” said Marcil, noting that the insurance company is still evaluating the scene to determine a cause, however, the board of directors were reassured that the fire was not caused by issues with the building. 

The units are inhabitable either due to damage to the fourth floor where the fire began, the ash which is a health and safety concern, or the water damage to the first floor when the fire was being put out. 

Although building management required tenants to have insurance, some residents did not have any. Loss of personal belonging, and decontamination of units is not covered by the Aylmer Arms building insurance but is instead covered by each resident's personal tenant insurance. Marcil states that a unit’s decontamination can cost up to $10,000, leaving many displaced residents stuck. 

Tenants' insurance can also help find a temporary place to stay in these kinds of emergency situations. The Red Cross only takes care of individuals for 72 hours in cases like these, but the City of Gatineau arranged to have it extended. 

“We have a very good collaboration with the city of Gatineau, including councillor Carolyn Murray. We are in constant contact. From the day of the fire until today, (8:02) we exchanged information. She appointed people from the city of Gatineau to come and help us. They have been a great help,” said Marcil, also stating that MNA André Fortin has helped Aylmer Arms find financial support. 

There is still much work to be done. Many residents have had to stay with friends or family while they wait to be able to return to their apartment. “This is not a question of days or weeks. We are talking about months and maybe even six months for some units, before they are accessible again,” explains Marcil, noting that the situation is complex, and plans are evolving day by day. 

The Aylmer Arms Board of Directors is working as quickly as possible to get residents back into their units, understanding the urgency as many tenants are older, with limited mobility and resources.