Tenants of a southwest condo complex destroyed by fire met Wednesday night to discuss what will happen to the building they once called home.

 

A week after the blaze, condo owners are still shocked by the destruction.

 

"I was shaking for two days, when I saw it I couldn't believe my eyes to be quite honest." said Phillip Shaw.

 

The condo board called for the meeting to talk about the fate of their former homes. The questions many residents were hoping to get answers to included where they will stay and who will pay for the damages.

Even those who lived on the untouched side of the property showed up.

 

"For me I'm pretty lucky I got away with no damage in my apartment or in my building. But I'm here because obviously I'm an owner and whatever happens to them affects us as well. " said  Karmen Ingram.

 

Hundreds of people were left homeless after flames ripped through the Canvas structure at 23 Millrise Drive southwest on March 18th, flattening the top floor. Other suites were severely damaged by flooding that followed as firefighters doused the flames.

 

The condo board is still determining whether the entire structure will be torn down and rebuilt, or if part of it will be saved.

 

However, many people at the meeting were more concerned with the cause of the fire.

Investigators say the blaze started because of an improperly disposed cigarette. No charges will be laid and that's angered many tenants.

 

"I think people are looking for someone to blame and I think that's just a natural human reaction. But I think the position and posture of the board is we want to look for solutions. We want to start rebuilding, that's what we're spending our energy at. Looking for solutions and not looking for blame." said Canvas condo board president, Cameron Wallace.

 

Condo owners did receive some positive news, their condo fees are dropping dramatically and their insurance may pay for the rebuild.

 

On the other hand, most condo owners will have to continue to pay their mortgages on homes they no longer have.

 

The condo board will be meeting with insurance adjusters next week before meeting with residents again likely in April.

 

In light of the Millrise condo fire, the Calgary Fire Department is hosting a public education session on fire safety and prevention on Thursday, March 25th at St. Mary's University College between 7pm and 9 pm.