Loading articles...

Council votes to fund demolition of Penhorwood buildings

The RMWB is paying $3 million dollars to tear down the Penhorwood Condos. Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to cover the bill to tear down the condemned buildings.

In 2011, more than 300 people were evacuated in the middle of the night after an engineer’s report flagged structural concerns over the seven buildings. Councillor Phil Meagher helped a friend move that night. He says the buildings are still standing, despite the “imminent risk” that forced tenants to pack up their things in 15 minutes.

“Calmer heads should prevail […] Not only was this young lady trying to get everything out, but she was also going through a separation anxiety because this is the first home that she’d ever bought,” said Meagher.

A Safety Codes Officer issued the order for the demolition in September. A safety review that revealed what it looks like inside the buildings described units with mould and water damage. It also identified hazmat material such as thermostats, fire and smoke alarms and CFL bulbs.

“Some of the safety measures that are in place are, the demolition will not take place in heavy winds of 22 km/hour or more which could create dust spreading over the area,” said Public Works Director Robert Kirby. “The area will be regularly watered down to prevent any dust. There will be a consultant present who will continue to monitor that all safeguards are being followed, and continue to ensure air sampling is completed on a regular basis.”

There’s 11 contractors vying for the project which could start as early as mid-December. Mayor Melissa Blake said no further burden would fall on the shoulders of tenants.

“Before us tonight, we have the opportunity to do something a little easier and if it gets support by council I think that it’s imperative that the public know that we’re not planning on bringing this back to our citizens that were impacted.

Administration says the buildings could be entirely demolished by the middle of February.