A resident at the Good Shepherd’s support housing Mathias Place at 369 Main Street West allegedly set their unit on fire around 6:39 a.m. this morning.
The sprinkler system contained the fire to the fourth floor unit and there were no injuries.
The Hamilton Fire Department states there is extensive water damage inside the building.
Due to the damage, Alectra has cut off electricity to the building.
Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe states, “damage estimates are expected to be significant due to the amount of water damage the building has sustained.”
In a statement, the Good Shepherd states 26 residents are displaced and “being accommodated at another Good Shepherd supportive housing complex on Aikman Avenue until Saturday.”
Good Shepherd states a restoration company is assessing damages.
Hamilton Police arrested a 61-year-old male resident and he is charged with arson.
Over the years, I’ve covered other fires with similar circumstances: a resident setting their supportive-housing unit on fire.
One individual comes to mind. A few years ago, they set fire to their unit.
Following this, they lived unhoused on the street, taking shelter in the doorway of a vacant structure.
That structure burned down in a suspicious fire. When the fire investigation concluded, no public update was issued.
When we discuss the challenges of housing those with the greatest complexity, we must be mindful of how challenging it truly is.
Production Details
v. 1.1.0
Published: March 11, 2025
Last updated: March 11, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version (11:19 am)
v. 1.1.0 Updated information from statement by Good Shepherd.
Thanks for the coverage, Joey, I know it has happened at other places causing lots of damage.