Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) are reminding property owners the importance of fire safety after a property owner was charged with several offences resulting in $40,000 in fines.
Between June 2023 and January 2024, Emergency Services Fire Safety Codes Officers conducted five inspections at the Motel 6 located at #900, 5001 - 19 Street. After numerous inspections were not complied with, Safety Codes Act Orders were issued to the owner, Dream Paradise Hospitality Ltd.
“We work with property owners to provide ample opportunity to identify and correct safety issues,” said Fire Marshal Tim Kivell, Red Deer Emergency Services. “However, when property owners demonstrate an unwillingness to maintain their buildings in a safe manner, we must use the legal system to address the ongoing negligence creating unsafe living situations.”
As a result of non-compliance, Dream Paradise Hospitality Ltd. was charged with five Safety Codes Act violations, including:
- Failure to comply with Safety Codes Act Order
- Failure to install monitoring on the Fire Alarm System as per NFPA 72.
- Fire Alarm System not being maintained as per National Fire Code – Alberta Edition.
- Sprinkler System not being maintained in conformance with the National Fire Code – Alberta Edition.
- Smoke alarms not being maintained as per National Fire Code – Alberta Edition.
- Failing to provide inspection, Testing and Maintenance records in accordance with the National Fire Code – Alberta Edition.
On August 1, 2024, the property owner was found guilty of all five offences in Red Deer Provincial Court, and ordered to pay $40,000 in fines. The maximum fine under the Safety Codes Act for each offence is $100,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
RDES would like to remind property owners that they are responsible for ensuring their buildings meet the minimum requirements under the Safety Codes Act and the National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition, including providing the required fire protection features in residential buildings, not allowing activities that might cause fire hazards in and around buildings, and providing required ongoing maintenance to ensure safety of residents.
Landlords and renters can request information on these safety code requirements by emailing prevention@reddeer.ca.