It looks like the eyesore on Tilbury’s main drag is going to around for a while more.
According to a media release from the municipality, structural issues relating to the two buildings abutting 47 and 49 Queen St. N. have to be remedied before further demolition can proceed.
The buildings comprise an entire block in Tilbury’s downtown core. A pile of bricks and rubble is flanked by buildings on two sides with debris ballooning out into a fenced area on the sidewalk. Concrete markers on the street ensure that vehicles stay away from the area.
C-K corporate communications manager Eric Labadie said the effort to fix the problem is ongoing. Currently, insurers are looking at examining an engineering report issued earlier this month to decide next steps.
“Because 45 and 55 Queen St. are privately owned, the property owners and their insurers are involved to develop a plan to correct the structural concerns on those properties so that the demolition work can be completed,” the release stated. “Demolition at 47 and 49 cannot continue until 45 and 55 Queen St. are stabilized and the danger of further collapse is remedied. Based on the findings of the engineering report, safety protocols will be established and debris will be removed to accommodate the plans outlined by the insurer.”
In 2022, the municipality received complaints of a collapsing building at 47 and 49 Queen St. N. The municipality hired a structural engineer who confirmed the presence of a partially collapsed roof and structural failures, determining that the buildings were not fit for occupancy and required major repair or demolition.
An order was issued to the owner of the building, requiring a condition assessment to be done and to undertake necessary repairs. The owner did not carry out the required steps and demolition was ultimately ordered.
During the subsequent demolition of 47 and 49, the media release said engineers noticed pre-existing structural defects of the walls of 45 and 55 and recommended that demolition pause until these walls were stabilized.
As a result, orders to remedy an unsafe building and prohibit occupancy were issued to the property owners of 45 and 55 Queen St. as well.
The municipality understands the “unsightly nature” of the site, adding work will begin as soon as possible.
