The complex and critical testing of the electrical system remains ongoing.
While management hoped that today’s efforts would reveal the necessary conclusions to announce the repowering schedule, in consultation with ESA, further tests are necessary.
These are scheduled for tomorrow morning, and we remain optimistic that an announcement about the return of power to the property will quickly follow.
Canada post has advised that during the power outage at 260 Wellesley, mail service will be interrupted. Residents will be able to retrieve their mail and/or packages at the Canada Post facility at 600 Commissioners Street, Monday to Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
To receive their mail, residents are requested to bring government-issued photo ID as valid proof of residence. To find out what ID documents are acceptable, visit the Canada Post website at:
https://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGpolicies-e.asp#1427722
Management has reached out to Canada Post to confirm that mail delivery to the building has been suspended, and to get information where residents can pick up mail and package deliveries during the power outage.
Canada Post has not yet provided answers; as soon as management receives a response, information will be shared with residents.
Last night, representatives of the ownership and management of 260 Wellesley hosted a community information meeting at the Wellesley Community Centre.
Led by the local city councillor and featuring remarks from Mayor Tory as well as an update by Toronto Fire Deputy Chief Jessop, management provided approximately 500 residents and community members in attendance with up to date information about the flood in the building, a sense of the damage the building suffered as a result (to the best of their knowledge at the time), and some potential key dates and timelines.
Management and its lead restoration and disaster mitigation contractor (ARS) informed residents that, as expected, it would take approximately 48 hours from the initial response and earliest repair efforts to accurately understand the scope of damage to the electrical system caused by the flood, and timelines for its repairs. It was reported to residents that last night’s meeting was at the halfway point in that process and that an update was expected to be provided to residents and city officials on Thursday.
Deputy Chief Jessop took questions from residents, and further explained his decision not to evacuate the building, his confidence that the building during the power outage continued to be safe for habitation, and the efforts of fire fighters (and security staff provided by management) to maintain a safe environment for residents.
This includes the recent addition of temporary lighting in the building, the delivery of non-potable water for hygiene purposes, and additional onsite security teams to continue to assist tenants. Management will also continue to offer hot meals and beverages in the lobby of 240 Wellesley.
A Response Centre to address resident concerns and/or offer assistance is being completed in 240 Wellesley and is expected to be open today.
Further updates are expected throughout the day.
Property management has an electrician on hand at 260 Wellesley making the necessary repairs.
Residents of 260 Wellesley can remain in their apartment units while repairs are being undertaken.
There is no estimate as yet on when power will be restored, but once the Electrical Safety Authority approves the repairs, Toronto Hydro will immediately reconnect power.
Property Ownership has hired a security team to conduct a fire watch and the Canadian Red Cross is on site to help the security team to check on the wellbeing of all residents.
Late this afternoon, management of 260 Wellesley became aware of an electrical outage at the building. Due to a water supply burst in the garbage disposal room of the building, water leaked into the electrical room, causing the outage. Emergency responders were on site quickly to assess the situation and due to damage to the electrical equipment, the Electrical Safety Authority ordered Toronto Hydro to disconnect electrical power.
The decision to disconnect electrical power to the building helped to mitigate damage, and protect against greater electrical failure and extended power outage.
The City Of Toronto is coordinating assistance for the residents of the building. A warming centre has been set up for residents at Wellesley Community Centre at 495 Sherbourne Street.
Management is cooperating fully with city officials, including Toronto Fire, to ensure all necessary resources are provided, repair work is effective and resident safety is maintained.
This site is to provide information, news and updates for residents of 260 Wellesley Street East.