Residents of London, Ont. high rise advised not to use balconies following toddler's death

Exeter, Ont. -

Residents of a high-rise building in London, Ont. where a toddler fell from a balcony, have been advised not to use their balconies until further notice.

According to an order issued Tuesday from the City of London, there are balcony guardrails that have openings greater than 100mm at 400 Lyle St.

In a release, Medallion Corporation, a privately held residential rental property owner and developer, says it has been made aware of a notice by the City of London regarding balcony guardrails.An Order to Make Safe, issued by the City of London to 400 Lyle St., Oct. 5, 2021. (Source: City of London)

The release goes on to say, “We are working with appropriate professionals to ascertain the veracity this assertion and remediating if necessary.”

Speakingn to CTV news, Ruth Lang, a resident of the building says, “I did go out to my balcony and took a look I didn’t see where anything would be coming adrift that would deserve an overhaul”

Another resident, Marlee Palinkas says the balconies seem pretty safe. "My Mom and I were looking at them last night, just to see what they were talking about, what was unsafe, but we couldn’t pinpoint anything we thought was unsafe.”

During the building process, the company says all building codes were met and City of London inspectors issued an occupancy permit.

In addition, Medallion Corporation says it has been in contact with the child’s family to facilitate a change of accommodation.

A fundraiser was launched for the family of a girl identified as 22-month-old Inaya who sustained life-threatening injuries when she fell from a balcony at 400 Lyle St. on Saturday afternoon.

She was rushed to a local hospital where she would succumb to her injuries.