The long-awaited restoration of an affordable housing complex in Chatham that was badly damaged by fire a year ago is almost complete.
On Wednesday, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent reported that only 14 of the 120 units at 99 McNaughton Avenue West in Chatham remain under renovation.
Officials noted work continues on the second floor of B Block, and those units are expected to be ready for tenants to return beginning on November 1, 2025.
Municipal officials said that all major mechanical systems in the building have been fixed and/or replaced.
"Facilities staff, with the support of contractors, have worked to bring the building back to code, ensuring it meets all safety requirements," the municipality said in a news release on Wednesday afternoon.
The municipality said first-floor units in B Block are currently occupied, all units in A Block are also occupied, C Block reopened in December, and D Block reopened in November.
“The restoration process of 99 McNaughton West has been a massive undertaking and I’m proud of the progress that’s been made to bring residents home,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “With all major systems restored, most units now occupied, and the final renovations underway, this building is once again a safe and secure place for our residents. We will continue to support tenants until every unit is complete.”
The municipality also noted that the well-being of affected residents was a priority throughout the recovery process, adding that tenants were placed back in their units as repairs were made.
They were also offered another unit within the municipality’s housing portfolio, or offered a rent subsidy so they could maintain market rent in the private market, according to officials.
The municipality also said that all tenants who have not yet returned to their apartments have made temporary or alternate housing arrangements through Chatham-Kent Housing Services.
The municipality previously said the fire started in B Block on August 25, 2024, displacing approximately 100 residents.
Two people have been charged with arson.
Leonard Greason, 48, of London, is still in custody and will be heading to trial in the new year. He has a trial confirmation hearing on November 3, 2025. Co-accused Erin Ott is out on bail for a second time. She will also be going to trial and has a trial confirmation hearing on November 3, 2025.
