TCHC led the way on fire safety in ’70s

Re TCHC slammed for fire code violation, Dec. 23 This headline surprised me, due to the fact that the Metro Toronto Housing Authority, the former incarnation of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), was somewhat a pioneer in the formation and implementation of the Ontario Fire Code for residential highrise buildings in the 1970s.

I worked in front-line management and we worked closely with the Toronto fire department and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office. Adhering to the Fire Code was drilled into every level of front-line staff and carried out like a religion. No exceptions.

There were detailed policies that every staff member was trained in, and on-site manuals complete with required check lists that had to be filled out by staff or servicing contractors.

These policies and procedures, including the manuals, were later adopted for all provincial government buildings in Ontario.

In the case of an inoperative alarm system, the requirement was simple: notify the fire department, call a qualified alarm system service and have staff or security patrol building until the alarm was back in service.

Obviously, this did not happen at 275 Shuter St. and, frankly, there was no excuse. Fines are levied and paid but it is Toronto taxpayers who pick up the cost, while the TCHC staff who failed to do their job continue collecting a paycheque and residents remain at risk. I would be ashamed to work for this outfit now. Keith H. Moyer, Elliot Lake, Ont.