Leamington Property Owner and Business Owner Fined For Ontario Fire Code Violations

The owner of a strip mall in Leamington and a business owner within the mall were both found guilty of contraventions of the Ontario Fire Code in Provincial Offences Court.

The Ontario Fire Code violation stemmed from a failure to comply with an inspection Order issued by Leamington Fire Services.

As a result, both the property owner and the business owner were fined $10,000.

“Ontario Fire Code violations put both building occupants and responding firefighters at serious risk,” said Leamington Fire Chief Don Williamson.

“Our fire prevention officers are dedicated to working with owners to ensure compliance through education and regular inspections. When voluntary compliance isn’t achieved, we have no choice but to pursue enforcement through the provincial court system. This conviction underscores the seriousness of failing to meet fire safety standards and the substantial penalties that can follow.”

The Ontario Fire Code establishes regulations for fire safety in buildings, and failure to comply can result in substantial penalties. Individuals found guilty of an offence can face fines of up to $50,000 and/or up to a year of imprisonment, while corporations can face fines of up to $100,000.