Fire at New Westminster apartment building displaces 24 residents with uncertain future

A fire at 37 Agnes Street in New Westminster broke out at 3:45 a.m. October 11, destroying a 24-unit three-storey building. The top-floor balcony was ablaze on discovery; the fire had spread into multiple units, and the roof on the top floor collapsed.

All residents evacuated safely, though some cats remain missing. Residents were bused to stal̕əw̓asəm Aquatic and Community Centre. Provincial emergency support provides three nights of hotel accommodation, food, and clothing; additional support will be available at New Westminster Neighbourhood House. After that, residents must find their own housing.

Jason Hamelin, strata council president, told residents the damage is extensive and extensive. "I could not see how the property could be repaired and that the whole 24-unit building would have to be replaced, which could take years," Hamelin said.

The building housed seniors on fixed incomes who had built community over years, residents with mobility challenges, and families with children who fled early morning hours with nothing. "Lives have been upended, that's for sure," Hamelin said. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for displaced tenants.