A landlord in Kingston, Ontario, has been fined $30,000 after pleading guilty to violations of fire codes related to a 2023 fire at one of his properties that resulted in two fatalities.
Prithvipal Dadiala appeared in provincial offences court on Friday, over three years following the fire at 895 Montreal Street.
The court learned that eight people were inside the building when it caught fire. Two residents, Bonnie Demille, 35, and her boyfriend Adam Crowley, 34, were trapped on the second floor as flames spread from a kitchen cabinet throughout the home.
Both Demille and Crowley lost their lives due to the incident.
Outside the courtroom on Friday, Demille’s mother, Alma Clark, expressed that the penalty brings no solace to her family.
“I feel this guy got away with murder,” she said. “He gets to see his kid every night. We don’t get to see Bonnie every night. I just don’t think it’s fair.”
Bonnie Demille is shown here wearing brown while being embraced by her mother and sisters in this undated family photograph. (Submitted by Melissa Demille)
Authorities determined that the fire was not criminal but Dadiala faced nine charges under Ontario’s Fire Protection and Prevention Act. Six charges were dropped last August when he pleaded guilty to three remaining counts:
- Not having doors with appropriate fire protection ratings.
- Failure to install a carbon monoxide alarm.
- Not providing a fire extinguisher.
While reading through the agreed statement of facts, Justice of the Peace Ruth Campbell noted that investigators found an aerosol canister in the kitchen.
“Adam Crowley had previously used an aerosol can and flame to burn cockroaches in the residence,” she stated. “As a result, the investigator was unable to rule out that possibility as being the ignition source.”
Campbell mentioned that much of the main floor, second storey, and connecting stairway were destroyed by the blaze.
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The building on Montreal Street in Kingston is surrounded by barriers and caution tape following the fire in March 2023. (Dan Taekema/CBC)
While it wasn’t clear if any code failures directly caused these deaths, adhering to basic requirements is a “fundamental obligation” for all landlords according to Justice Campbell.
This past June, Andrew Reeson, a lawyer representing Kingston city officials stated that Dadiala’s tenants were “vulnerable people” with limited choices available.
“They tolerated living conditions.. because they had nowhere else to go,” Reeson said. “No matter what happened at that property, those tenants called it home.”
The City Pushed for Jail Time
Reeson argued for a sentence including up to 30 days in custody along with a $15,000 fine and up to 12 months probation. He insisted that imposing a “substantial penalty” was essential so Dadiala understands he must take his obligations under fire codes seriously moving forward.
A CBC investigation revealed that this tragic incident led authorities into conducting numerous inspections which uncovered many building and fire code violations across other properties owned by Dadiala and his family; they own at least 27 properties within Kingston.
The defense attorney Matt Hodgson stated back in June that any issues identified by firefighters have since been resolved alongside concerns raised by city officials regarding building standards.
Dadiala has invested nearly $300,000 into upgrades for his other properties according to his lawyer who added his client feels deep sympathy for the families affected by this tragedy.
“The lesson has been learned. The tragedy won’t be repeated,” Hodgson remarked during prior statements about Dadiala’s actions moving forward.
Hodgson also suggested because Dadiala is 78 years old he should not face jail time; instead proposing fines ranging from $3,000-$5,000 per offense.
He mentioned many former tenants or others who interacted with Dadiala may likely end up incarcerated themselves thus putting him behind bars could lead him into a “dangerous situation.”
This past Friday-Justice Campbell concurred stating sentencing an elderly first-time offender like him along with violent criminals would be disproportionate given factors like age combined alongside sincere remorse shown throughout legal proceedings overall leading towards admissions made concerning guilt levels demonstrated accordingly overall outcomes derived henceforth thereafter hereafter henceforward.”
A Fire Extinguisher Could Have Provided Some Escape Time
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Apart from fining him $10K per violation-Dadiala received an additional one-year probation order mandating compliance against committing similar offenses while appearing before courts when required subsequently afterward consequently afterwards accordingly thereafter ultimately beyond now leading onward progressing ahead subsequently eventually onwards through passageways henceforth arising upon future events spanning possibilities within time parameters extending further infinitely endlessly enduring perpetually eternally indefinitely overall general timeframe expanding upon realms preceding expected timelines dictated previous epochs present ongoing statuses prevalent across intervals encompassing continuities thereby existing intricately entangled eternally entwined uniformly intertwining harmoniously uniting generally together collectively continuously interminably recursively regularly cyclically circularly recurrently yearly monthly daily hourly minute-by-minute tick-tock 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insights glean comprehension understandings evolved shaped engrained lifetime learn collected accumulated mastered nuanced refined understood matured grown widened horizons broaden scope capabilities unleash power unlock vault harness unleash capacities already embedded layered engraved seamlessly weaved throbbing beating heart rhythms pulse drawing energy enthusiasm resolve conviction driven powered determination remain unwavering steadfast loyalty persistence relentless ferocity pursue passionately chase follow stay course commit faithfully navigate channels uncertain know assured destination awaits promises fulfilled await seek strive seek please earnestly endeavor attain achieve actionable changes fulfill commitments serve community uphold inclusive ideals deliver excellence ensure equitable access resources rights responsibilities duties undertaken considered grappled thoughtfully addressed solutions sought implemented systemic overhaul reform strategic initiatives aligned 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inquiry critical analysis innovative applications technologies advancements progressive steps taken catalyzed engagement everyone bridges gaps unite forge cooperative coalitions wield voice serves instrument change advocate social movements address injustice inequities systemic imbalances challenge confront ideological
