MEDIA RELEASE (November 4, 2016): On Sept. 2, Fort Erie Fire & Emergency Services (FEFES) Fire Prevention Inspectors traveled to the Courtwright Hotel (56 Courtwright St.) to follow-up on a complaint. Inspectors on scene found that an Emergency Exit door to a hotel had been screwed shut.  Prior to leaving, the inspectors unscrewed the door and tested it to ensure it continued to work properly.

Due to the seriousness of the offence, the Fire Prevention Inspectors quickly initiated a prosecution against the property owner, 1921686 Ontario Ltd. On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Pingyou “Alfred” Li, representing 1921686 Ontario Ltd., was convicted in Provincial Offences Court of breaking the Ontario Fire Code, and was fined $2,500 in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Blocking an exit to a building is very serious. It risks the lives of all the building occupants in the event of an emergency, and is prohibited by the Ontario Fire Code. The FEFES reminds residents and building owners about the importance of fire safety, and that violations against the Ontario Fire Code will not be tolerated.