Two property owners in Guelph have been penalized following a deadly townhouse fire in March 2024 that claimed two lives.
The blaze erupted the morning of March 11 at a residence on Edinburgh Road South. Two women died in the incident, while two others managed to escape with minor injuries. Authorities later determined that the unit lacked operational smoke alarms, a violation of provincial safety requirements.
After being charged under Ontario Fire Code, the landlords were convicted and collectively fined $37,500. Both received two years of probation, and one was sentenced to 50 consecutive days in jail. City officials noted that jail time for fire code breaches is rare and emphasized that the ruling highlights the seriousness of complying with fire safety laws.
Acting Fire Marshal John McBeth offered condolences to the victims’ loved ones and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to enforcing safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.
As part of the investigation, fire officials inspected other units within the Edinburgh Road South complex. They discovered seven townhouses without working smoke alarms or with alarms removed, four units lacking carbon monoxide detectors, and 14 units that were either vacant or unresponsive at the time of inspection. The remaining units were properly equipped.
Smoke alarms are mandatory across Ontario, and under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, landlords can face fines of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to one year for violations.