'Lives have been upended': New Westminster blaze leaves uncertain future for 24 households

Residents on fixed income and families who lost everything face an uncertain future after fire destroyed a New Westminster apartment building on Sunday.

Jason Hamelin, president of the strata council at 37 Agnes Street, said the blaze caused extensive damage, including the collapse of the roof on the top floor.

He said he could not see how the property could be repaired and that the whole 24-unit building would have to be replaced, which could take years.

“Lives have been upended, that’s for sure. There are seniors on fixed incomes who have lived for years in the building, relying on relatively low rents and the community they have built around them,” Hamelin said.

“There are residents with mobility challenges who face the daunting task of starting over somewhere. And there are families with children who fled in the early morning hours, leaving all their belongings behind.”

New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services chief Erin Williams said emergency services were called to the three-storey building on Oct. 11 at 3:45 a.m. and found a top-floor balcony ablaze.

Fire crews soon discovered the fire had entered the building and several units were ablaze.

All residents evacuated safely, but some cats are still missing, Hamelin said.

Residents were taken by bus to the nearby stal̕əw̓asəm Aquatic and Community Centre where provincial emergency support was offered, including money for three night’s hotel accommodation, food and clothing.

Hamelin said New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone visited the centre and said additional support would be provided at the New Westminster Neighbourhood House.

However, once that support dried up, all the residents would have to find their own way, Hamelin said.

“It just totally sucks,” he said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money to be distributed to displaced tenants.