It has been a near sleepless last couple of months for Donald Lee. The Moss Park resident has been trying in vain to get the City of Toronto to cover the cost of damages to his home.
In July, a man became trapped in the eight-inch space between Lee’s home and another building. Fire crews had to break through part of his wall and remove a furnace duct for the rescue.
The 77-year-old received a letter from Claims Pro, insurance adjusters acting on behalf of the city. He said the damage was pegged at around $12,000.
Lee is a fixed-income earner, with $900 in pension payments filtering in every month. On top of that, he has no property insurance.
On Friday, he took his case to Mayor John Tory’s office.
“I bring all these documents to the secretary and the secretary, they say they take a look at it. They’re going to see what’s going on and they’ll phone me back,” he told Global News.
The gaping hole in the wall has since been filled with bricks salvaged from Lee’s backyard, crumpled shopping bags and styrofoam. Lee said it took him four hours to create the temporary fix.
- Grandparents who died alongside infant in wrong-way Hwy. 401 crash identified
- S&P/TSX composite up Friday, U.S. stock markets rally after jobs report shows cooling
- Shocking videos show officer hit by vehicle during Toronto auto theft takedown
- Man facing charges after alleged afterhours Greater Toronto Area theatre shootings
He said he loses sleep every night, staying up to keep a watchful eye on the wall so that rodents and other pests stay out.
“All the raccoon and mice and the wind last week. Wind blew right through here. All the dust come in.”
Lee said the stress has also aggravated his health. He had surgery on his heart a while back and said he cannot handle the constant worry.
He and his wife have lived at the property, located at King Street East and Sherbourne Street, for decades.
“We regret the letter that went out to Mr. Lee,” said Jackie DeSouza, spokesperson for the city. “That was certainly not a final decision letter. In a case like this, it’s a little bit unusual because we have a city service — in the performance of their duties — that has caused this damage to this gentleman’s property.”
DeSouza told Global News a decision on this case is expected by the end of next week. The city will review the adjuster’s assessment, as well as a report from Toronto Fire Services.
Comments