Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) statement on major flood and tenant displacement at 444 Lumsden Avenue
On Sunday, June 7 at approximately 4 a.m., Toronto Fire Services (TFS) and other emergency services responded to a serious flood at 444 Lumsden Avenue.
What we know so far (as of 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 7)
The source of the flood is a burst hot water pipe on the 17th floor of the East tower. The flood impacted 43 units. There are no reports of injury.
In the East tower of the building, tenants living in 28 units will be relocated to alternative accommodations overnight. Tenants in units with more severe damage may need to stay in alternative accommodations for a longer period of time.
TCHC staff remain on-site and are working with TFS and the City’s Emergency Operations Centre.
For impacted tenants
TCHC staff are on-site to help with arrangements for anything tenants might need. TCHC staff also conducted door-to-door wellness checks with tenants and provided an update on the situation, including support with next steps.
Cleanup of the building remains ongoing. Vendors are on-site addressing power, water, and elevator operations. The Community Safety Unit (CSU) will also provide 24-hour security coverage.
Tenants are asked to make sure they provide TCHC staff with up-to-date contact information so they can learn about the latest updates.
TCHC will continue to provide information and updates to tenants as it becomes available.
Update: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
TCHC staff continue to support tenants impacted by the flooding, providing food, transportation, laundry and other necessities including assistance with insurance claims
The City’s Building Department received and accepted the third-party engineer’s letter and assessment. All agree there are no concerns with the structural integrity of the building, fire separations, or life safety systems.
Tenants from 28 units were relocated while their units were being assessed and repaired. Approximately half have returned to their units as of Tuesday, June 9. More will return home tomorrow on Wednesday, June 10. A couple of tenants with more serious damage in their units have been informed they will need to stay in alternative accommodations until their units are ready. TCHC will be offering these tenants a nearby vacant unit. TCHC staff and vendors remain onsite and are working to have all tenants back in their homes as soon as possible.
There are additional supports available for tenants who have been relocated and for those still at the building, like Gerstein Crisis Centre staff who were onsite today doing wellness checks along with TCHC staff. Anyone who has not already received information about available support should contact TCHC staff onsite.
Updates will continue to be posted.
