A condemned, former LCBO building in Bothwell that has been a nuisance and an eyesore for local residents for almost a year now is finally being dealt with.
The building, located at 125 Oak St. W, has sat vacant since the roof partially collapsed on August 31, 2021. Since then, the former liquor store has become a point of contention for neighbouring residents who have expressed concerns to municipal officials about mould, vandalism, and wild animals nesting in the building.
According to Paolo Magliaro, Chatham-Kent’s manager of inspection services, the building was deemed unsafe following the collapse, prompting the municipality to issue several orders. He said a structural engineer also reviewed the property to authorize a permit for repairs. However, when work did not take place over the last several months, the permit was revoked.
“We had followed up with the owner at the time and she was working with the insurance company to get these issues rectified,” said Magliaro. “These types of things take a lot of time because there’s insurance involved and [the owner] can’t just go do things without the insurance [company] giving the okay.”
Magliaro added that it’s likely the building has since deteriorated over time due to water damage and other issues.
Following more recent discussions with the owner, Magliaro said the building has been reassessed and the owner will now be applying for a demolition permit. Magliaro estimated that the municipality will likely be able to issue the demolition permit within the next week.
“The building department will expedite the permit so they can get started,” said Magliaro. “Once they have the permit issued, it will obviously be at the contractor’s discretion of when they can get out there to get the building removed.”
A timeline as to when the building will be demolished is currently unknown. As well, the municipality has not been officially informed about plans for the property following the demolition.