An Orangeville fire department inspection this week has determined that the Baywinds facility on First Street is adhering to fire safety standards.

Baywinds, which provides housing for both seniors and disadvantaged individuals, was the subject of a heated town council session Sept. 14. At the meeting, neighbouring residents complained, among other things, that the facility presented a fire hazard.

In an interview Tuesday, Fire Chief Andy Macintosh said the facility "passed standard" and "is much improved from a fire safety standpoint."

In March, Baywinds was cited for 20 infractions of the National Fire Protection and Prevention Act and fined $10,000. Since then, Chief Macintosh said the facility has "been fully cooperative with us." Baywinds has performed the required repairs and, at the time of the Sept. 14 meeting, needed only to install fire safety equipment in the kitchen. The kitchen work has been completed and the chief says it is up to standard.

Meanwhile, Baywinds manager Angela Vourkovtiotias said she has not had any contact from neighbouring residents on formation of a committee to work out their differences and reach cooperative agreements.

At the Sept. 14 meeting, Mayor Rob Adams suggested such a committee be formed since the town is not in a position to intervene in the operation of the facility, which is a private business that conforms with zoning regulations.

"I haven't had one call," said Ms. Vourkovtiotas on Tuesday. "If they want to have a meeting, they can let me know. I'll be there with bells on." She suggested that the neighbours in the Starrview Crescent/ Victoria Heights area may not be as concerned about the Baywinds' residents' welfare, as they claimed at the Sept.14, as they were to get rid of the facility altogether.

"We perform a service to the community," said Ms. Vourkovtiotas. "We've been here 24 years and if they want to get rid of us, I'm telling them we're not going anywhere."