The cause of a fire that temporarily displaced more than 100 residents from a rental building in Coquitlam remains under investigation.
The blaze broke out shortly before 2 a.m. on Thursday, March 7 at Century Place (523 Gatensbury St., at Ridgeway Avenue) forcing tenants to flee.
Firefighters from Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and Burnaby were called to assist with dousing the flames at the five-storey apartment complex.
City spokesperson Kathleen Vincent told the Tri-City News that emergency social services — short-term accommodation, meals and incidentals — have been extended to Wednesday, March 20, for the residents in need.
And the property manager is now working with agencies to confirm when, or if, the Gatensbury suites can be re-occupied.
“Due to proper firewalls, many of the units were undamaged,” the city wrote on social media.
“Pending engineering, safety and air quality assessment, we’re hopeful many will be back in their units soon.”
Meanwhile, the Coquitlam Foundation has stepped in to collect financial donations for the displaced residents.
Last September, the 54-year-old apartment complex in the Austin Heights neighbourhood sold for $23.17 million.
Century Place tenants pay an average of $1,133 a month for a one-bedroom and $1,434 for a two-bedroom.
