An Ontario landlord has been sentenced to jail time after being convicted of seven charges following a Brampton fire that left a pregnant woman and her daughter dead more than three years ago.
The landlord, charged under Ontario's Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, was sentenced to 135 days of consecutive custody and two years of probation, the City of Brampton said in a news release on Tuesday. The landlord was also ordered to pay $50,000 in fines and $10,000 in victim surcharges.
The fire broke out at 47 Jade Crescent on June 2, 2023 at about 11 p.m. The girl who died was three years old. Another family member suffered lifelong injuries in the blaze.
Brampton Fire and Emergency Services laid the seven charges, which included offences related to fire separations and the installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Investigators determined that the property, which had been registered as a legal two-unit dwelling, had been converted into four units without the required permits. The additional units were subsequently rented even though they did not meet Ontario Building Code and Fire Code requirements and put occupants at serious risk, the city said.
Landlords legally responsible for working smoke alarms
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said in a statement on Tuesday that the deaths were preventable.
"The loss of a mother and her young daughter is a tragedy our community will not forget, and our thoughts remain with their family and loved ones," Brown said.
"While no investigation or court outcome can undo this profound loss, this tragedy is an important reminder of why fire safety requirements exist," Brown added. "Every Brampton resident deserves to feel safe in their home, and property owners have a responsibility to ensure required smoke alarms are installed, maintained and working."
Andy Glynn, Brampton's fire chief, said the incident underscores the importance of having working smoke alarms in every home and of following Ontario's Fire Code.
"These requirements exist to protect lives and give people critical time to escape when a fire occurs. I urge residents to test their smoke alarms regularly and property owners to know and follow the legislation. Those who violate the legislation and put lives at risk will be held accountable," Glynn said.
Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg said he extends his "deepest condolences" to the family. He said the incident is a reminder to every landlord in Ontario that they are legally responsible for having smoke alarms installed in their properties and maintained in good working order.
"Working smoke alarms save lives by providing critical early warning when every second counts. Knowing and complying with Ontario's Fire Code is essential to keeping people safe in their homes," Pegg said.