Affordable housing in Goderich won’t be rebuilt after a fire

Apartment fire in Goderich prompted evacuation of nearby residences, displaced 26 residents.

An apartment building in Goderich that consisted of 18 affordable housing units will not be rebuilt after a weekend fire.

Around 2 a.m. on Saturday, crews responded to the Nelson Street building and evacuated other homes on Brock Street as a precaution.

According to Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet, the third level of the building had to be demolished for the Fire Marshal to enter for a proper review of the property.

He said the building itself will be demolished and owner is not planning on rebuilding and selling the property.

“What we would like to do is when the property is sold, have a conversation with the new owner, a lot of communities are struggling with affordable housing, this is something that we would like to see developed in that area because that’s what was in place at the current time,” said Bazinet.

A total of 26 people in the 18 units have been displaced and are currently in the care of the Red Cross with help from Huron County social and property services.

Here’s how to help

Bazinet said there has been a steady stream of people coming to town hall and sending messages asking how to help.

“[I’m] always proud of our community whenever there is a time of need,” he said.

Town Hall is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Bazinet said town staff are in council chambers rotating every hour to accept gift cards.

“We might think we know what the people need but its actually the people that know what the people need — so we figured gift cards is the right approach so they can purchase whatever they need whether it’s clothing or materials or just some groceries and some food.”

“It’s been a steady lineup here at town hall which is incredible and we’re receiving cash donations as well,” Bazinet added.

Goderich’s Emergency Control Response Committee is meeting Tuesday afternoon to determine next steps.

— with files from CTV NEWS London’s Bailey Shakyaver