Asubstantial water leak forced residents in a midtown apartment building to be evacuated from their residences late Thursday night.

All occupants were evacuated due to a weakened structure caused from large amounts of water gushing from the top floor through the ceilings of the remaining levels and because the source of the problem could not be quickly located.

There was a fear the ceilings and floors would collapse in the building at 8 First Avenue, which once housed First Avenue United Church.

Orangeville Police officers went from apartment to apartment to ensure all residents were evacuated, as some were sleeping at the time and had to be wakened. All residents of the building were told to wait at the nearby Lord Dufferin Centre until further notice. They were then moved to the Tony Rose Memorial Sports Arena or went to stay with friends. Blankets and pillows were provided by the LDC and the Avalon Retirement Centre.

It was determined the building would remain off limits until a detailed inspection could be performed the following day. The hydro was shut off by Orangeville Hydro to prevent electrical shorting.

The residents were looked after by area businesses. Tim Hortons provided coffee, pizza was provided by Toppers Pizza and other food provided by Sobey's. Al's cab provided free taxi service and the Caledon/ Dufferin Victim Services attended to the residents as well.

The cause of the flood was a break in a four-inch pipe, which could have been due to the cold weather.

"In reading the account of the event, the residents experienced a terrible circumstance with their apartments being heavily flooded in the middle of a very cold February night," said Police Chief Rod Freeman in a letter congratulating those who responded to the call for handling the situation with professionalism and efficiency while remaining sensitive to the safety and comforts of the victims.