The Peterborough Housing Corporation (PHC) has announced the reopening of a 20-unit apartment building in Havelock, 19 months after it was extensively damaged by a deliberately set fire.
The fire at 37 George Street East in Havelock on April 23, 2024 displaced all of the building’s 18 residents. There were no injuries.
“Over the past year, PHC has been dedicated to the full restoration and enhancement of the building, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and resident well-being,” reads a media release. “The property has been reconstructed to modern standards, and is essentially a new building designed to provide long-term comfort and security for current and future residents.”
According to the release, PHc implemented several major upgrades during the reconstruction of the rent-geared-to-income building:
- Substantially increased insulation to support improved comfort and lower utility costs
- Enhanced soundproofing to promote a quieter and more private living environment
- High-efficiency heating systems to ensure consistent performance and long-term energy savings
- Electrical and plumbing upgrades to meet current safety and performance standards
- New energy-efficient windows and doors offering greater durability and security
- A new roof designed for improved protection and extended lifespan
- Updated brickwork and siding to strengthen structural integrity and enhance exterior appearance.
“The restoration of 37 George Street East represents more than the reopening of a building — it represents the resilience of the Havelock community,” says PHC CEO Travis Doak. “We are proud to return this important housing resource to residents and to provide a safe, modern, and welcoming place to call home.”
PHC says it offered residents displaced by the 2024 fire the opportunity to return to the reconstructed building. While some have chosen to remain in their current homes and communities, others will be returning.
New and returning residents will be moving into the reconstructed building beginning next Monday (December 8).
After the 2024 fire, police arrested and charged a 29-year-old Havelock man with arson (disregard for human life), two counts of failure to comply with a probation order, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, and uttering threats to damage property.
