Flooding displaces 28 families from East York housing tower

A burst hot water pipe flooded a Toronto Community Housing building in East York early Sunday, displacing residents from 28 units. The rupture on the 17th floor of the East Tower at 444 Lumsden Ave. occurred shortly after 3 a.m., affecting 43 units total.

No injuries were reported, but the damage varied significantly. Some residents stayed with family or friends; others were placed in hotels arranged by TCHC. "Tenants in units with more severe damage may need to stay in alternative accommodations for a longer period of time," TCHC said.

Both towers in the complex have 273 units combined. Elevators in the East Tower remain out of service, while West Tower elevators operate normally. TCHC staff are monitoring tenants with mobility and accessibility needs, and two residents with specific accessibility requirements were moved to hotels.

Cleanup began Sunday and continues as needed. TCHC is assisting residents with insurance and damage claims, plus transportation, food, and laundry support. The organization expects most residents to return within days.