Hamilton property owners fined $8,000 for failing to maintain working smoke alarms
Published January 31, 2024 at 11:13 am
The owners of a home containing several rental units in the Beasley neighbourhood near central Hamilton pled guilty last week to failing to maintain working smoke alarms and now face fines of $8,000.
The property owners of 233 Victoria Ave. N. – 233 Victoria Holdings, along with its four directors – were charged with failing to maintain primary and secondary power supplies that serve smoke alarms, as required by the Ontario Fire Code.
The owners were convicted in Provincial Offences Court January 24.
During the court proceedings, a guilty plea was entered by Beau Spencer on behalf of the corporation, and by Spencer personally in his capacity as a director.
Spencer and 233 Victoria Holdings Inc. were fined $8,000 for failing to maintain primary and secondary power supplies that serve smoke alarms. Spencer received a suspended sentence and the remaining matters were withdrawn.
Under the Ontario Fire Code, owners of rental properties are responsible for the maintenance of their building’s smoke alarms and smoke alarm systems, including continued power supply and regular testing.
“The Hamilton Fire Department continues to work diligently to reduce fire risk through fire prevention and enforcement strategies,” said Hamilton Chief Fire Prevention Officer Pete deBoer. “Property owners who do not meet the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code in their rental properties, including the proper installation and maintenance of smoke alarms or smoke alarm systems, may be prosecuted.”
Hamilton Fire encourages building owners who have questions regarding Ontario Fire Code requirements or any other fire safety matters to contact the Hamilton Fire Department Fire Prevention Team at (905) 546-2424 ext. 1380 weekdays between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or online by visiting www.hamilton.ca/fire.
233 Victoria St. N. in Hamilton