The walls of a century-old building on Sarnia's waterfront came crashing down this past week.
In December, city council approved the demolition of 2 Ferry Dock Hill, a structure dating back to 1910, due to safety concerns related to high water levels.
City Solicitor Sutheat Tim said despite the complications surrounding COVID-19, the current contractor was able to advance the work quite well.
"We're hoping the demolition is completed this week, and by next week, we can start working on site cleanup just to get everything safe and appropriate," he said. "Last week they finished the asbestos remediation, the abatement work, and as of Monday, they started the demolition component of it."
Tim said the process was initially delayed by at least a week after the first abatement team scheduled to go in had to self-isolate for 14 after possibly being exposed to COVID-19.
"Given the complications with the city right now with the lockdown and everything that we have, I'm very pleased that we're able to ensure that the site will be safe. With the building being removed, ultimately, it removes essentially a safety concern for the citizens of Sarnia."
The building at 2 Ferry Dock Hill was a law office for 60 years (Photo by Mike Bradley)
Sarnia council was considering offering free parking at the Ferry Dock site or installing a pay and display machine to operate weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
