Eight days after a devastating fire on Beechwood Avenue, several businesses and residents are still wondering when life will return to normal.
Although lights and fans are running inside the pharmacy and the New Edinburgh Pub, power still hasn't been restored.
Rather, the businesses are being powered by two generators that they're leasing for $1,000 each per day.
"It's fairly expensive, makes us appreciate hydro when we have it," said Frank Tonon of the New Edinburgh Pharmacy.
Ottawa Hydro says the three main transformers supplying power to some of the businesses in the area need to be replaced. It's still unclear when that might happen.
Meanwhile, businesses along McKay Street are still shut down because of smoke and water damage.
Last week, a toxic fire ripped through the Home Hardware store on Beechwood Avenue. The rubble at the site appears untouched.
"It's a real eyesore; everyone would like to see it taken away so they can get on with rebuilding this street," said New Edinburgh pub owner Paul Williams.
Insurance companies and contractors are now poking through the mess to start the claims process.
"We did the UPS store (Thursday) morning and now the Ghana Embassy next," said Bill Newman, a loss claim specialist.
However, those who don't have insurance are faced with different problems.
Lisa Sereda was living in an apartment in the area. She's been told that toxic dust is covering all her belongings.
"It's not going to be a typical clean up," she said.
The New Edinburgh Pub is hosting a fundraiser for the victims of the fire on Saturday. An event for children will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; another will be held for adults from 8 p.m. to midnight.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr
