Over 100 White Rock, BC residents who lost their apartments in a fire on Sunday won’t be able to return to their dwellings for at least one year, highlighting the importance of contents coverage.
 
According to Eric Stepura, the city’s director of recreation and culture, only a part of the building can be restored, and the rest will need to be rebuilt. "The building is not inhabitable, as a result they all have to find accommodation elsewhere," said Stepura, who also heads the city's emergency services and victim assistance program. He mentioned that it would take a year to a year-and-a-half before anyone is allowed to return.
 
The majority of displaced residents were insured. Those without coverage have been given temporary accommodation for 72 hours by the provincial government, but must foot the bill for any residence and displacement costs following that. "They have to fend for themselves or get help from friends or family," Stepura said. The Ministry of Housing can offer some support, and the local community has also come up with a donation drive.
 
Brokers are encouraged to advise their clients that rent apartments to get appropriate insurance, as most insurance policies also provide cover for temporary accommodation in case the policyholder’s residence is rendered uninhabitable by fire, flooding, or other disasters.