Around 30 people, including young children, displaced by a Sept. 22 fire at 1520 Décarie St. remain locked out of their homes, as asbestos discovered during damage assessments has stalled their return.

The property owners stated the building remains off-limits for safety reasons, and no timeline has been confirmed for re-entry.

Some residents have found temporary refuge with relatives or friends, while others remain without shelter, opting for motels, cars, or park benches.

Andrian Frunze initially found temporary refuge with a coworker, but now spends his nights on a bench in a nearby park, relying on a public bathroom that closes at 11 p.m. and a McDonald’s close by. He said he was grateful for his colleague’s help but, as the wait drags on and with no clear ending in sight, he feels

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