Residents are now able to start moving back into a Toronto highrise building after an electrical fire forced 1,500 residents out of their apartments more than a year and a half ago. 

"Honestly, it's been a really surreal year," said Mark Slapinski. "I could've never imagined living at a hotel or living with my grandma or the possibility of being homeless."

A spokesperson for Wellesley Parliament Square Management said during an update on Wednesday that the company has spent about $60 million on repairs.

Fire officials said electrical contractors were working on the building Wednesday morning when they noticed smoke and pulled the fire alarm.

The return date for residents has been delayed again after the building management said they would be able to go back to their homes before the end of August.

The announcement came after residents protested Monday against the property manager's original Nov. 30 deadline to have residents leave their rental accommodations. 

Last Wednesday, the landlords of the building sent notices to all the tenants saying the management company will no longer fund hotel accommodation after Nov. 30.

Some residents who were left without a home after a fire tore through their building now say management isn't keeping their word by covering the hotel costs.

Doug Sartell, property manager of 650 Parliament St., said in a news conference that upon further investigation in the north tower, crews found the electrical equipment in the 50-year-old building to be inadequate.

1,500 residents were left homeless after a fire tore through the 650 Parliament Street apartment building on August 21.