Tenants Claim Missing Belongings After Chatham Fire Restoration

UPDATE: A year after a devastating fire forced over 100 residents from their homes at 99 McNaughton Ave. West in Chatham, tenants are expressing outrage over missing personal belongings during the restoration process. Many residents are demanding accountability as they deal with the aftermath of the August 25, 2024, blaze that left them homeless.

The fire not only destroyed homes but also left lingering trauma. Residents like Lillian Verrall, who has lived in the building for 15 years, reported that her belongings were either lost or damaged. “I came outside. I figured it was another false alarm,” Verrall recounted. “The flames were just shooting up so high. It was horrible.”

Verrall spent eight months in temporary housing, which she described as barely livable. “I thought I was going to die where I was at,” she said. “Not even a table in there for you to sit and eat.” Upon returning to her new unit, she discovered that items such as her air conditioner, jewelry, and cookware had gone missing.

Another tenant, Taunya Logan, who has lived in the complex for 20 years, echoed similar concerns. After returning home in November 2024, Logan found her fiancé’s Xbox and other personal items missing. “You’re terrified because it was a lot of fire,” she expressed. Logan suspects that the restoration workers may have taken her belongings, stating, “Well, it doesn’t grow legs and walk away.”

Despite repeated attempts to contact restoration companies to update their Schedule of Loss (SOL) lists, Logan claims no progress has been made. Over a dozen other tenants reportedly share her concerns, creating a growing wave of frustration among those affected.

According to Chatham-Kent Housing officials, all residents are required to maintain tenants’ insurance. However, Logan argues that the municipality is ultimately responsible since tenants were barred from entering during the restoration. “It was them that had access to the building,” she said, demanding accountability from municipal authorities.

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff acknowledged the tragedy of the fire, emphasizing that most tenants have returned home. “It was tragic that over 100 people lost their homes in that fire,” he stated. “The good part about it is the community came together.”

While municipal officials confirmed that residents from blocks A, C, and D have returned, tenants from Block B are expected to be back by late 2025. CTV News has reached out for further comments from municipal officials regarding the tenants’ claims but has yet to receive a response.

As residents continue to grapple with the fallout of the fire and restoration process, the urgency for transparency and accountability from the municipality remains critical. Tenants are left questioning the fate of their belongings and the responsibility for their loss.

This developing story highlights the ongoing struggles faced by those affected by the fire and the community’s resilience in the wake of such a devastating event. Updates are expected as officials address the tenants’ claims in the coming days.