Windsor Recovers Costs After Emergency Housing Response
The City of Windsor has secured a $100,000 fine against the owners of a 120-unit residential building that failed to provide vital services to its residents and forced an evacuation of dozens of residents that triggered a major emergency response.
In September 2022, the building’s central heating system failed, prompting the City to issue an order for immediate repair pursuant to the Vital Services By-law. Conditions worsened, and by November 20, living conditions were unsafe.
From November 20 to 22, the City’s Emergency Social Services team was on-site, assessing residents’ needs and encouraging them to seek alternate accommodations. Transit Windsor buses were deployed to provide heated shelter and serve as a base of operations for support staff. The Building Department issued an Order Prohibiting Occupancy, resulting in the full evacuation of the building. In partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, the City of Windsor opened a temporary emergency shelter at the Atkinson Community Centre, which operated until December 9, 2022.
Approximately 50 displaced residents received the following services:
- Overnight accommodations
- Meals and medical care
- Transportation assistance
- Housing-search support
- Support from on-site staff 24/7
Support also extended to pets, with the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society and Housing Information Services providing temporary shelter for dogs, cats, and small animals.
The total cost of this 2.5-week operation exceeded $200,000, funded and coordinated by the City and with in-kind supports from many community partners.
On June 25, 2025, the property owners were convicted in Provincial Offences Court and were fined $100,000 plus court costs. The City continues to monitor compliance with safety standards.
While the outcome does not fully cover the City’s emergency response investment, it represents a meaningful step toward accountability and reinforces the importance of maintaining safe living conditions for all residents. This enforcement action is one part of the City’s broader efforts to ensure landlords meet their obligations and that residents are not left vulnerable.
For more information on the City’s Vital Services By-law or Emergency Support Services, visit www.CityWindsor.ca.
Residents who have concerns about vital services or building conditions are encouraged to contact the City by calling 311 or using the Windsor 311 mobile app to submit a complaint.
Quotes:
“The City of Windsor, through many departments, works to support and safeguard residents across the city when they are faced with challenging and extreme situations that threaten their health and well-being. I am proud of the City teams who stepped up to assist the people and pets that were impacted by this incident. I am thankful to our community partners who supported these efforts, and to the Provincial Offences Court for acknowledging our work, helping to set things right, and reinforcing clear expectations for the responsibilities of landlords in our community.”
– Mayor Drew Dilkens, City of Windsor
“The City of Windsor’s Emergency Social Services team, along with many community partners, provided excellent care for displaced residents and their pets. We provided a warm place to sleep; reconnected many with medical supports; and guided them toward safe, permanent, and affordable housing. While we are proud to offer such services to the community, we hope this ruling encourages all landlords to adhere to their responsibilities and avoid putting their tenants through such upheaval.”
– Jennifer Tanner, Manager Homelessness & Housing Support, City of Windsor
“This case reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to protecting the health and safety of Windsor residents. When building owners fail to maintain essential services, we will act swiftly to ensure residents are supported and that accountability follows.”
– Rob Vani, Senior Manager/Deputy Chief Building Official, City of Windsor