Fort Frances, Ontario – 2026/10/09 – Tenants displaced by the September 22 fire at Rose Manor will require alternative housing while the building undergoes cleanup, repairs and the work necessary to make it safe for tenants to return.

Since the fire, staff from the District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) have worked closely with affected tenants to address their immediate needs. DRRSB arranged and funded temporary hotel accommodations, while also connecting tenants with community supports. This emergency hotel arrangement will continue until November 15, 2026, when the insurance funding available for these accommodations is expected to be exhausted.

After November 15, tenants will require safe, suitable and affordable alternative housing until they are able to return to Rose Manor, should they choose to do so. There is no confirmed date for the building to be ready for re-occupancy. While assessments, cleanup and repair planning are ongoing, DRRSB has been advised that Rose Manor will not be habitable before 2027.

DRRSB’s Homelessness Prevention Team will work with displaced tenants to explore available housing and support options. A limited number of units may be available at other DRRSB housing locations, and eligible tenants may request a transfer. However, local housing availability is extremely limited, and these options will not meet the needs of every displaced tenant.

DRRSB recognizes that the transition from emergency hotel accommodations will be difficult for tenants. The hotel arrangement was a short-term response to the immediate emergency. DRRSB will continue to connect tenants with available homelessness-prevention services and housing options but cannot provide ongoing hotel accommodations or replacement housing for every displaced tenant. As a publicly funded organization, DRRSB must manage its limited municipal and provincial funding responsibly while continuing to deliver essential services across the District.

DRRSB is committed to communicating openly with tenants and the community as information becomes available. This emergency has highlighted both the compassion of the community and the serious shortage of safe, suitable and affordable housing in the District.

DRRSB is asking private landlords, property owners and community members who may have safe and suitable rental accommodations, or a room available, to consider renting to displaced Rose Manor tenants. Individuals who may be able to assist are encouraged to contact 807-274-5349 and leave your information with reception.

DRRSB also extends its sincere thanks to the many local agencies, community partners, businesses, organizations, and local residents who have already provided essential support. Their generosity has helped residents access food, clothing, transportation, accommodations and other urgent needs in the weeks following the fire. Continued community support will be important as tenants seek alternative accommodations and replacement home furnishings.

DRRSB especially thanks Rainy River District Victim Services, Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Fort Frances Branch for their support.

“DRRSB staff are doing everything possible to support Rose Manor tenants through this difficult transition,” said CAO Charene Gillies. “We are grateful for the extraordinary compassion shown by our community. While our resources are limited, we will continue working with residents and partners to identify every reasonable option available.”