Update #6 on flooding at 235 Rebecca Street, Hamilton

Hamilton, ON – Monday, January 11, 2016 – The property owner of 235 Rebecca Street is letting displaced residents know that they can return to their apartments. Power, heat and water service have been restored to the entire building after yesterday’s flood caused by a burst pipe. Three apartment units remain without power and crews onsite have determined that the extensive water damage has made these units uninhabitable. The property owner is providing alternate living arrangements for affected residents.

The City’s Community & Emergency Services Department Operation Centre will remain activated until it can be determined that all residents have adequate housing. Through this transition, Bennetto Recreation Centre will remain open to provide safe housing, meals and support to displaced residents. City of Hamilton Fire Prevention inspectors have been working with the building owner to ensure safety systems are restored as residents return to their homes.

After visiting residents displaced by Sunday’s flood, Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Ward Councillor Jason Farr commended the city’s emergency response.

"The flooding at the Rebecca Street building demonstrates our ability to swiftly initiate emergency service protocols in mitigating the impact to residents", said Mayor Eisenberger. "I have visited the Bennetto community centre and witnessed residents safety being a priority while everyone works hard to ensure they can return home as soon as possible."

During his site visits, Councillor Farr echoed Mayor Eisenberger’s comments.

“Having visited both the Rebecca tower early Sunday morning and Bennetto Recreation Centre later in the day, I cannot recollect being privy to such a vast and coordinated effort and commend all of those involved in making resident needs a priority.”

Background: On Sunday, January 10th, flooding at an apartment building on Rebecca Street affected approximately 400 residents when a pipe burst and flooded the lower six floors of the 17-storey building.