City may bail out residents

Residents of a rundown east-end apartment building will be forced out of their homes unless the city forks out more than $100,000 to fix an unsafe electrical system.

Officials are holding an emergency meeting this morning to discuss options for residents of 355 Melvin Avenue. The 17-storey building, which is half empty with about 50 occupied units, has been plagued by utility problems.

Marty Hazell, senior director of parking and bylaw services, said the fire department discovered safety issues on a recent inspection. The Electrical Safety Association (ESA) then ordered immediate upgrades, estimated to cost $100,000 to $120,000.

"This is a very major repair," said Hazell.

The city ordered the owner to fix the problem but no work has been done. The order has expired.