The District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) says it does not have enough vacant housing units to meet the needs of tenants displaced by last month’s deadly Rose Manor fire, as funding for temporary hotel accommodation is expected to run out on Nov. 15.
The Sept. 22 fire displaced 31 tenants, the board confirmed in written answers provided to The Times on Tuesday. Approximately 20 were still staying in hotels arranged through DRRSB as of that date.
Rose Manor, a 35-unit rent-geared-to-income seniors’ apartment building on Sixth Street East, was evacuated after the early-morning blaze, which claimed the life of a 92-year-old resident. At least two apartments were gutted by the fire.
In an interview with The Times on Tuesday, DRRSB chief administrative officer Charene Gillies confirmed that the approaching hotel-funding deadline is linked to a financial limit in the board’s insurance policy. The building is not expected to be habitable before 2027, based on preliminary information from the insurance assessment process and the anticipated work needed to make it safe.
“There is a dollar cap in our policy,” she said.
The Nov. 15 date reflects the board’s current estimate of when available insurance funding for hotel stays will be exhausted. Gillies stressed that some residents may have their own tenant insurance providing accommodation or other assistance beyond that date, though she could not reliably say how many.
DRRSB has some vacancies elsewhere, but not enough for everyone who needs an alternative home.
“We do know [that] we don’t have enough in our own portfolio,” Gillies said.
In its written response, the board confirmed that “a small number of units are available” and said existing vacancies were not expected to meet all the housing needs arising from the displacement. Eligible tenants may request transfers, but the board has appealed to private landlords and property owners across the district to offer suitable rentals or rooms.
Gillies said staff had initially concentrated on immediate needs, including arranging hotel rooms and helping residents retrieve belongings where possible. At the time of the interview, she was not aware of any private landlords having responded to the appeal, issued Oct. 9.
The uncertainty is particularly pressing for residents who do not have family accommodation, alternative housing arrangements or personal insurance. DRRSB says it is too early to estimate how many tenants will still require accommodation after Nov. 15 because individual circumstances continue to change.
Asked whether additional funding might extend the hotel arrangements, Gillies said staff were examining options through the board’s responsibilities as both landlord and homelessness prevention service provider.
“We’re certainly exploring all opportunities,” she said.
The board’s written response said DRRSB would continue working with its insurer, community partners and tenants to identify available supports and next steps. It also confirmed that the governing board has been kept informed and will receive an update on the fire, recovery efforts and effects on tenants at its next regular meeting on Thursday at 10 a.m.
For those wishing to eventually return to Rose Manor, the outlook remains uncertain. Gillies said the insurer’s adjuster is still evaluating what repairs and renovations are required, and no firmer reopening date is available. DRRSB says it expects a clearer schedule once assessments and remediation planning have advanced.
“Any tenants who wish to return, they’ll be given priority consideration when the building reopens,” Gillies said.
The board said details of rent-geared-to-income eligibility will be discussed with tenants once timelines and future occupancy arrangements are clearer. It has not offered an unconditional guarantee that every displaced tenant will return to a unit.
Meanwhile, Gillies praised the local agencies and residents helping those affected. Rainy River District Victim Services, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Fort Frances branch and the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope have been among those providing much-needed support.
The Board says financial donations and gift cards for local restaurants and businesses are now likely to be most useful, allowing assistance to be tailored to individual needs. Anyone wishing to help can contact Fort Frances Victim Services or the DRRSB directly.
Landlords and others with safe, suitable accommodation available are asked to call DRRSB at (807) 274-5349 and leave their details with reception.
