Toronto taking over cleanup of properties around site of propane blast

Acting deputy mayor Shelley Carroll told a news conference Friday night that the cleanup of asbestos and debris on properties around the Sunrise Propane site would begin Saturday morning.

Carroll says the provincial environment ministry ordered Sunrise Propane on Aug. 13 to clean up debris from the blast that forced 12,000 people from their homes.

Carroll says requirements of the cleanup order were not being met and the city decided to invoke its cleanup powers under the Environmental Protection Act.

A funeral was held Friday for firefighter Bob Leek, 55, one of two people who died Sunday at the scene of the propane depot fire.

A body recovered from the blast site is believed to be that of a 24-year-old man who worked part-time at Sunrise Propane.

"We had hoped the operator would comply with the MOE order and clean up the exterior of the properties," Carroll said. "At this time, it's critical for the city to do whatever is necessary so that these residents can resume some sense of normalcy in their neighbourhood after this traumatic event."

Provincial officials said the priority is to get the cleanup of the residential properties done quickly, safely and effectively.

"We have been in discussions with the City of Toronto throughout the day, and we fully support this action," Environment Minister John Gerretsen said in a release. "We will continue to work closely with the City of Toronto in its cleanup efforts."