On Wednesday July 14, 2021 in the Bracebridge Provincial Offences Court, the Corporation owning the Highland Court Inn & Suites in Huntsville and its Director pleaded guilty to two counts each, of failing to ensure smoke alarms were maintained in operating condition and failed to ensure that a record of tests for the smoke alarms was prepared. The Corporation was fined a total of $7500 and the individual was fined $2000 plus victim surcharges for contraventions of the Ontario Fire Code.
Charges were filed by the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department following an inspection of the property located at 208 Main St. West in October 2019. A number of serious contraventions of the Ontario Fire Code were observed during the inspection and Orders were issued for several deficiencies.
The owner has since brought the Motel into compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
“Owners and prospective purchasers of industrial, commercial and income producing residential properties must know their responsibilities under the Ontario Fire Code and ensure that all fire safety requirements are in place,” notes Fire Chief Rob Collins.
The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department continues to work to reduce community risk through fire prevention and enforcement strategies. The Fire Department is committed to ensuring that appropriate measures are taken by property owners to achieve fire safety through compliance with the Ontario Fire Code and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.