The Municipality of Clarington informed in a Saturday update that 35 downtown Bowmanville fire victims are receiving income and employment support from Durham Region Social Services.
A previous update on March 7 had said 36 residents had been displaced and one individual remained unaccounted for. There was no explanation for the discrepancy in the number of those affected, nor was any further information released about the unaccounted for individual in the March 8 update.
“Clarington has received no updates regarding the unaccounted-for person,” said the municipality.
It said police continue to remain on site throughout the investigation. Ontario Fire Marshal is on site and is expected to continue the investigation into the week of March 10, indicating that King Street West will remain closed to vehicular traffic into this week. The blaze had erupted in the early hours of Thursday March 6.
Parking in downtown Bowmanville (both on-street and in municipal parking lots) is free until March 16.
Temporary fencing has been placed around 59 to 95 King Street West (top image). The north sidewalk is open and all businesses on the north side of King Street West are accessible. King Street West remains closed to vehicular traffic from Temperance Street to Scugog Street. Businesses between Silver Street and Temperance Street are open and accessible despite the road closure.
Support for Victims
“Thirty-five individuals impacted by the fire are receiving support from Durham Region Social Services, including temporary accommodations, mental health counselling, income and employment support, and navigating the next steps toward longer-term housing options,” said the municipal statement.
It said the Salvation Army Bowmanville is continuing to collect monetary donations for affected residents.
Despite the closure of several businesses, the remainder of downtown Bowmanville is open for business. The community is being encouraged to shop local, grab takeout, or stop by their favourite café or restaurant.
“Our team continues to work with the Downtown Bowmanville BIA and Clarington Board of Trade to provide support to those businesses that are temporarily closed,” the municipality said. “We would like to thank the community for their continued support as we work together to recover and rebuild.”
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