Damaged buildings remain on Erie Street North in Wheatley, two years after the August 2021 explosion.
August 23, 2023, photo credit: Robyn Brady/CKXS News.

Demolition of multiple buildings at the site of the 2021 gas explosion in downtown Wheatley is slated to begin this week.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said a demolition contractor will be on site on Monday to begin demolition of 12, 14 and 20 Erie Street North.

The municipality said the removal of these buildings will move the process of revitalization forward in Wheatley, following the explosion on August 26, 2021, which destroyed two buildings and injured 20 people.

Erie Street North is expected to remain open during the demolition and the municipality does not anticipate any disruption to traffic. However, residents are asked to use caution when in the area and to keep clear of the demolition site.

Demolition will likely be completed by the holiday season, the municipality said.