Kingston inspectors looking for rental unit safety violations

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KINGSTON — The city said its inspectors have looked at dozens of rental properties this spring looking for safety violations and fire hazards.

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The effort was prompted by a series of serious house fires across the city this spring, including two separate fires Tuesday that sent two adults and two children to hospital.

“The safety of our community is of utmost importance,” Brad Joyce, the commissioner of transportation and public works, said in a news release Wednesday. “The city is committed to continuing efforts to improve residents’ access to safe and properly maintained housing.” 

When asked, the city did not provide any details about the results of the inspections, including how many violations were found, how many charges were laid or how many fines were issued.

In total there have been about a dozen house fires since the end of March.

The inspection blitz began following a fire near the intersection of Montreal Street and John Counter Boulevard that killed two people at the end of March.

The city’s bylaw department, Kingston Fire and Rescue, and housing and social services department are involved in addressing health and safety issues found in rental units.