The Alberta government is still considering recommendations from a 2007 fatality report that called for mandatory annual inspections of hotel and motels.
In 2005, Denise Gillies, 20, and Alvin Lockhart, 25, died in a hotel fire in Oyen, Alta. A fatality inquiry held two years later recommended annual fire and safety inspections.
Raymond Belanger, seen in an undated photo, was killed in a fire at the Bonnyville Hotel in 2010. (Jodi Orydzuk )
A fatality inquiry into the December 2010 fire at the Bonnyville Hotel that killed tenant Raymond Belanger, 67, made the same recommendation. In her report, Judge Kathleen Williams noted inspections still only take place on the basis of a complaint or a request.
“I have been provided with no clear explanation as to why those recommendations have not been adopted, although it has been speculated to be a result of a lack of resources and personnel,” Williams wrote in her report.
Alberta Fire Commissioner Trent West says the requirement for annual inspections is still being discussed. But he could offer no timeline on if or when they would be implemented.
“Our frequency for review of the safety codes act and the [administration] items regulation are set out,” he said.
“So part of the review is those recommendations being considered as well. So we’re able to put both of these judges’ recommendations together.”
West was unable to say when the review would be complete. Municipal Affairs Minister Diana McQueen hasn’t yet responded to a request for comment.
West said the province needs to have discussions with hotel and motel owners. He suggested that educating property owners might be more effective in ensuring safety.
“It might make it an even safer situation when the people who work in the hotels and motels are constantly on guard and being vigilant in ensuring that tjhe safety of all in the hotel and motel are being considered and looked after,” he said.
Belanger’s daughter, Jodi Orydzuk, says she is baffled the government is taking so long, especially since three people have died.
“It was considered a long time ago,” she said. “Why are they still considering it? What else has to happen before they make it a mandatory thing?”
Both the Oyen and Bonnyville hotel fires were caused by a space heater. Belanger agrees with the inquiry fatality judge’s recommendation to ban their use in all Alberta hotel rooms.
