From the Communications Office

(Friday, January 1/99)-- The Nova Scotia government has set-up an Information Hotline for persons seeking information about, or assistance for, residents of the Sunrise Manor Senior Citizens Home on Gottingen Street in Halifax.

Residents of the provincially-owned and operated manor were evacuated from their apartments last evening as a result of a fire in the building.

The special hotline number is 492-0000. Provincial and municipal officials are being assisted by the Salvation Army in the emergency relief effort for those affected by the fire.

NOTE: In media reports earlier today, it was reported that Sunrise Manor was owned by the Halifax Regional Municipality. In fact, the building is owned and operated by the Province of Nova Scotia.

Any inquiries about Sunrise Manor should be directed to the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services or the Nova Scotia Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

-- 30 --

Media Contacts.

John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
499-1979 (cell)

Barry Manuel
HRM EMO Coordinator
488-4960 (cell)