Archive for category: Important Update

Terrace East 5^th Floor Fire – August 7, 2023

In the morning of August 7^th, there was a small fire in a resident suite in Terrace East on the fifth floor. The smoke alarm and sprinkler system were activated. The Fire Department was called and responded immediately. The resident was safely evacuated from the suite and no one was injured. Menno Place team leaders were onsite and called the restoration company to assess the damage.

Twelve residents were evacuated from their suites due to water damage. They were brought to the dining room and as of 10:00 this morning all but two have returned home to their suites. The two who cannot yet return have been made comfortable in temporary suites. All Terrace East residents are receiving care as usual according to their care plans.

The primary contacts of each of these residents have been called and updated and all residents received a memo Monday afternoon to keep them informed. If residents or family members come to you with questions please direct them to Leonard Klassen 6041-851-4006.

We are pleased that the fire emergency plan we have in place worked as anticipated, ensuring the immediate safety of all the residents in the Terrace East building. Menno Place has a dedicated Building Systems and Emergency Coordinator, David Janzen, who has been key to the preparedness of our staff for an incident like this.

All the staff and emergency systems responded as they should and we thank staff for their assistance in this situation. Several family members also expressed their appreciation for the way staff handled the residents who needed to be evacuated. There are no restrictions on visitors to Terrace East at this time however we ask all staff to stay out of the suite where the fire occurred.

Media Interest

If the media approaches you for your thoughts or comments on this incident, we remind you that Menno Place only has one spokesperson to the media – CEO, Sujata Connors. Direct any enquiries to her.

Staff Support

A fire is a traumatic event, even when all emergency response systems work quickly and correctly. If you would like to talk to someone about your experience or any feelings of unease you may be having please reach out to your supervisor, or Melissa, Director of People and Culture, or FSEAP – Employee & Family Assistance Programs – Confidential Counselling Services 1.800.667.0993

We have some exciting news to share with you. We are going to do a major building exterior upgrade to Terrace West over the next 3-4 months.

What is included in this upgrade?

• New gutters (higher capacity)
• New decks and railings
• Replacing siding/painting stucco – updated colors for the entire exterior
• Replacing or repairing facia board and gable ends
• Repairing building band along first floor on ground level

What is the impact on tenants?

• Decks will need to be empty at certain times in the project
• Some noise and disruption from the ongoing work at various times
• There will be 1-2 lifts on site, along with a dumpster for old materials

What is the communication plan?

• Send out a memo about the project
• Communicate specific dates/requests to clear decks through lunch announcements, posters in building, weekly Menno forum, flyers
• Life Enrichment staff is available to answer questions

We expect work to start in early August. Look for posters and information about what is necessary for the first part of the project, which will be a wash of the upper floor walls (stucco).

Thank you for your patience during this project! And join me in thanking our maintenance staff for coordinating this project with several contractors. The building will look amazing when this project is complete!

 

Leonard Klassen, 604-851-4004

Interim Manager of Independent and Supportive Living