Clean up outside derelict building doesn’t quell concerns about trespassing and fire risk
Despite a recent clean-up around the former St. Pierre Renovation Centre, concern persists about trespassing and the risk of fire at the former industrial building.
In April, city hall cleaned-up construction debris and broken furniture piled outside the building at 595 Exeter Rd. after the owner did not satisfy the demands of a Municipal Property Standards Order.
The cost of the city-led clean up around the exterior of the building will be added to the owner’s property tax bill.
“A lot of the debris around the outside of the building has been cleaned up,” said Coun. Elizabeth Peloza. “So its a little bit more aesthetically pleasing, but the file remains active.”
The property is part of the estate of long-time owner Samuel John Shirley Sr., who died several years ago.
On Thursday, a person who arrived at the property told CTV News they were volunteering to assist Shirley's son address persistent trespassing and security issues.
Jim Morris lives in the area and believes more needs to be done, “Just going by there, you can see all of the flammable stuff inside, and its a big property, a big building.”
The main floor windows and doors along the east side of the building are covered in plywood, but on the west side, several windows, doors, and shipping bays remain wide open.
One of the open shipping bays reveals a large number of wooden pallets.
Given the building's industrial past, Peloza worries about the potential for a fire.
“I still have concerns,” she explained. “Fire and municipal services, including first responders, are aware of what's in the building should another fire happen at this location.”
According to Deputy Fire Chief Matt Hepditch, "The London Fire Department responds to concerns from the community on a regular basis. In this scenario, we are working with Municipal Compliance to resolve the issue."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From collapsing ecosystems to artificial intelligence running wild, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the coming years.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?
Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.