There is now an open space where Sarnia's former Parking Authority Building at 226 Wellington St. once stood.
The building has been demolished and crews were working this week to remove the foundation and fill the remaining hole in the ground.
By-law Enforcement Supervisor Adam MacDonald says the building had to come down after it suffered significant water damage this past summer, as the result of a broken water pipe in the second floor bathroom.
"I don't believe it [demolition] was too big of a job," says MacDonald. "There was some remedial work that needed to happen there through the construction company. The building itself was pretty small and easy to demolish."
The building's removal will provide 12 additional gravel parking spaces at Sarnia Arena. The parking lot also serves as an overflow for both Great Lakes Secondary School and Vision Nursing Home.
In September, city council authorized $55,000 in spending from the Capital Reserve to fund demolition and fill costs.
Staff were evacuated from the building in December 2015 after complaining of headaches and nausea. Although tests conducted by Sarnia Fire and Rescue found acceptable levels of CO and other gases, further testing found mold spoors present. Staff were then relocated.
The City of Sarnia By-Law Enforcement Department, including the Parking Authority, is now located on the third floor of City Hall.
