Some returned home to a layer of soot, belongings strewn about their apartment and general disarray.
The building had been inhabitable since July 20 when an explosion in an underground hydro vault jolted residents and ignited a fire in the highrise northwest of Danforth Avenue and Dawes Road. Thick smoke billowed outside and filled the building, travelling through the elevator shaft and the ventilation system causing the most smoke damage to the units on the top floors. Residents were forced to flee, many with only the clothes on their back.
Residents were displaced as first emergency officials investigated the incident and then as the building property manager, Preston Group, worked to repair necessary systems and clean common areas. The city gave the green light in the form of an occupancy permit on Friday, Aug. 29 and residents moved back in over the weekend.
Ward 31 (Beaches-East York) Councillor Janet Davis was at the building all day Saturday and Sunday as residents returned home.
"Many of the units were still covered in black soot and there was smoke damage," she said.
"It was quite disheartening for many to have so much work ahead."
The landlord is going to go in with residents' permission to clean floors, walls, and ceilings, but didn't do it before their return.
"Unfortunately the landlord was unable to get in and clean the units in advance because approvals from residents had not been secured," Davis said.
Not all residents are returning home.
Davis said there are a "significant number" who made the choice to find alternate housing.
Nicole Barbier, still traumatized from the explosion, would like to find another place to live.
"I have no intention of moving back anyway," she said last Thursday upon finding out residents would be allowed to return. She added she's been in discussion to assess her legal options to get out of her lease, which the landlord hasn't let tenants do.
Residents are being given some assistance as they return. The city set up a bank account to receive donations from residents and the corporate sector.
Donations began to be distributed Thursday, Sept. 4, and continued Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Secord Community Centre, 91 Barrington Ave.
Close to $60,000 was donated from individuals and the corporate sector in the form of cash, coupons and gift cards. The amount is being divided equally among units with each receiving $200. It's a small amount to help residents, Davis said.
"It can help replace belongings or it will help them pay for cleaning," she said.
Tenants are asked to bring valid identification and their yellow registration form in order to pick up the donation.