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Town faces a deteriorating situation in Alliston

April 11, 2013   ·   0 Comments

Alliston’s downtown core has a distinctive mix of modern and vintage design, but local residents and visitors can easily spot two buildings that are beyond repair.

Besides the family owned business, banks, and restaurants, the buildings located at 66 & 76 Victoria Street west stand out, and not for good reason. The adjacent commercial buildings are in complete disrepair and the town has recently issued an order of demolition for both properties.

The buildings are situated on the north side of Victoria Street, between Mill Street (east) and Paris Street (west). Both buildings have been vacant for over seven years, and there hasn’t been any form of maintenance completed on either building since 2006. Utilities (water, hydro, heat) have been disconnected for years, making them susceptible to the annual freeze-thaw cycle. A-D Engineering Group performed an inspection on January 11th, 2012, stating for immediate action to be taken due to the condition of the buildings, “While the buildings currently appear to be stable there are a number of issues that are cause for concern if some form of remedial action is not taken.”

The current owner (2054673 Ontario Inc.) met with the town on two separate occasions regarding 66 & 76 Victoria Street, A-D Engineering’s inspection audit was discussed. The proposed demolition of both buildings could be problematic, especially 66 Victoria Street. A-D Engineering stated that caution must be exercised when commencing its destruction, “Since contact has been made between 66 Victoria Street west and the adjacent structure, we believe that the demolition should be completed as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, 66 Victoria Street will continue to lean against the neighboring building and could cause significant adverse affects to the building.”

The Town of New Tecumseth has issued an Order to Remedy Unsafe Building notice to the property owner, setting three deadlines for the removal of the buildings. The property owners have until April 18th to submit a permit application for the buildings demolition, with work beginning on April 29th and finishing on or before May 9th.

A-D Engineering stated in its audit that as time goes on, the buildings become more dangerous, “If the two subject buildings are allowed to continue to deteriorate, this could eventually result in partial or complete collapse of the buildings, endangering the general public.”

The Town is working to ensure the safety of the public, and the protection of adjacent buildings.

By Michael Tomasone

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