The provincial government has announced they plan to go forward with new fire safety measures to better protect seniors and the vulnerable in Ontario-owned residences.

The measures come out of a meeting between Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs to discuss the addition of sprinklers and other measures to increase safety.

Now, the province has confirmed it wants to add sprinklers to additional retirement homes, long-term care facilities and homes for those with disabilities.

“Our approach is inclusive and looks at questions around staffing, training, inspection and automatic door closures,” Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Correctional Services, told reporters, Wednesday.

“It’s no longer a question if sprinklers will be installed in more homes, it’s a matter of when and it’s a matter of how,” said Meilleur. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s why the technical consultation committee is working hard to find answers and deliver recommendations this fall.”

The province has said there are about 40,000 seniors living in an estimated 700 retirement homes, while about 76,000 people live in 3,000 long-term care facilities.
   

REPOST (Courtesy of 680 News Radio)