Neighbours worry long-time eyesore in south London, Ont. becoming magnet for crime
You can’t miss the mess on Exeter Road.
Recently a chorus of complaints has grown louder about the state of the former St. Pierre Renovation Centre at 595 Exeter Rd. in London.
Smashed windows, broken doors, and wide open shipping bays have allowed a steady flow of trespassers into the building.
“Over the last month, maybe two months, there’s been a lot of homeless people or younger kids going in there breaking the windows and causing fires,” said Courtney Loucks, whose home overlooks the site.
The property around the building has become littered with large piles of construction debris and furniture.
The building at 595 Exeter Rd. and the adjacent Shamrock Industrial Park have a long and complex history with the City of London.
A staff report from 2015 speaks to efforts by owner Samuel John Shirley to clean up soil contamination and address unpaid taxes.
IN PHOTOS: The former St. Pierre Renovation Centre
However, Shirley died in 2020 and according to his son, John Shirley Jr., the property remains part of the estate.
Shirley Jr. told CTV News that he is boarding up the windows and doors to prevent trespassing, but expects people will just break through the plywood.
He is also cleaning up this site but admits it’s a “huge job” with no firm timeline.
In the meantime, neighbours are growing impatient with the lack of progress.
“There’s kids around this neighbourhood and we’d just like it to be safe,” said Loucks.
She has her own ideas for the site, “Put it on the market, try to get somebody to spruce it up a little bit. Run a business out of there, or tear it down so that we’re not having these fires and ambulances and cops all over the place.”
Municipal by-law enforcement has opened a file about the property, and the city website shows that a property standards order was issued on Feb. 16.
The city has a number of enforcement tools that could eventually be used to achieve by-law compliance including financial penalties, charges, and demolition.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
N.S. Progressive Conservatives win second majority government; NDP to form opposition
For the second time in a row, Tim Houston's Progressive Conservatives have won a majority government in Nova Scotia. But this time, the NDP will form the official opposition.
Paul Bernardo denied parole after victims' families plead he be kept behind bars
Notorious killer and rapist Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time after the families of his victims made an emotional plea to the Parole Board of Canada on Tuesday to keep him behind bars.
'We would likely go out of business': Canadian business owners sound the alarm over Trump's tariffs
Business leaders across Canada are voicing concerns and fear over the widespread impact increased tariffs could have on their companies and workers, with some already looking to boost sales in other markets in the event their products become too expensive to sell to American customers.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday after U.S. President Joe Biden said both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France.
Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance
Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday.
'We need to address those issues': Alberta Premier Danielle Smith won't denounce Trump tariff threat
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Canada should address U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's border concerns in the next two months, before he's back in the White House, instead of comparing our situation to Mexico's and arguing the tariff threats are unjustified.
Loonie tanks after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods
The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January.
Should Canada retaliate if Trump makes good on 25 per cent tariff threat?
After U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports on his first day back in the White House unless his border concerns are addressed, there is mixed reaction on whether Canada should retaliate.
'We need to do better': Canadian leaders respond to Trump's border concerns
As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens Canada with major tariffs, sounding alarms over the number of people and drugs illegally crossing into America, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and some premiers say they agree that more could be done.
Kitchener
-
Guelph man pleads guilty to leaving scene of crash that killed cyclist
A Guelph man has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the death of a cyclist and community advocate.
-
NHLer and former Kitchener Rangers staff member race to game on foot
Snow couldn't stop a Minnesota Wild hockey player from making it to his NHL debut, thanks to a little help from a former staff member of the Kitchener Rangers.
-
Paul Bernardo denied parole after victims' families plead he be kept behind bars
Notorious killer and rapist Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time after the families of his victims made an emotional plea to the Parole Board of Canada on Tuesday to keep him behind bars.
Barrie
-
One person seriously injured in collision with dump truck
Emergency crews attended the scene of a serious collision between a dump truck and a minivan in Clearview Township.
-
OPP investigating assault on municipal law enforcement officer
Provincial police are investigating after a municipal law enforcement officer was allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals.
-
Local businesses brace for Trump's tariff threats
A threat of tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has Canadians who do business south of border now keeping a close eye on his next moves.
Windsor
-
Downtown Mission concerned over ongoing Canada Post strike and donations tied up in negotiations
Officials at The Downtown Mission in Windsor are growing concerned about the amount of donations coming in since the strike at Canada Post began earlier this month.
-
Two suspects wanted for pharmacy break-in
Windsor police are searching for two suspects after a break-in at a pharmacy on Tecumseh Road East.
-
Lakeshore man facing more sex assault charges after second alleged victim comes forward
Essex County OPP say a Lakeshore man is facing more sexual assault charges after a second alleged victim has come forward.
Northern Ontario
-
Police seize $1M in drugs in northwestern Ont. bust
Suspects from Alberta and B.C. are in custody after Ontario Provincial Police made a massive drug bust at a rental unit near Kenora, Ont.
-
Sudbury resident scammed out of $20K, suspect from southern Ont. charged
A 21-year-old from southern Ontario has been charged with several offences after a victim from Greater Sudbury was tricked into giving him $20,000.
-
Loitering causing safety concerns by fire station in downtown Sudbury
There is enhanced security outside the main fire hall in downtown Sudbury in response to safety concerns.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Police seize $1M in drugs in northwestern Ont. bust
Suspects from Alberta and B.C. are in custody after Ontario Provincial Police made a massive drug bust at a rental unit near Kenora, Ont.
-
Sault police issue alert about surge in grandparent scams
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service warned residents Tuesday about a surge in grandparent scams targeting local senior citizens.
-
Sault road reopens after building safely demolished
A building on Queen Street East in Sault Ste. Marie is in danger of collapsing because of heavy snow.
Ottawa
-
O-Train Line 2 and 4 opening pushed into December at the earliest
The head of Ottawa's transit service says we will learn more about the launch of O-Train Line 2 and 4 next week, as the north-south light rail line remains closed to passengers.
-
'It's insulting:' Ontario premier slams Trump on Canadian tariff threat
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is reacting to a threat from incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, calling the proposal ‘insulting’ and emphasizing the need for leaders to work together on a response.
-
Questions regarding photo radar tickets in Ottawa amid postal workers' strike
As the ongoing Canada Post workers' strike continues to shut down mail delivery, there are questions about those photo radar tickets issued on Ottawa streets and what it means for speeders.
Toronto
-
Ford says Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods like 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is akin to 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart.'
-
Serial killer Paul Bernardo denied parole for a third time: Key moments from today's hearing
Notorious killer Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time following a hearing before the Parole Board of Canada.
-
Wanted suspect shot at passing vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga: OPP
Ontario Provincial Police are looking for a man who they say shot at several vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga Tuesday morning.
Montreal
-
Cinemas Guzzo closing West Island theatre amid major financial troubles
Cinemas Guzzo owner and reality TV star Vincenzo (Vince) Guzzo said he will close the Cinema Des Sources location as he faces financial trouble and fights to save his business.
-
21-year-old man shot in Rosemont apartment
A 21-year-old man was shot in the upper body following a suspected break-in, said Montreal police.
-
Quebec Premier says Trump's immigration concerns 'are legitimate'
Premier François Legault said he agrees with Donald Trump on immigration, but fears the devastating impact of the 25 per cent tariffs announced by the president-elect on Quebec exports.
Atlantic
-
N.S. Progressive Conservatives win second majority government; NDP to form opposition
For the second time in a row, Tim Houston's Progressive Conservatives have won a majority government in Nova Scotia. But this time, the NDP will form the official opposition.
-
N.S. NDP leader says they are the alternative after official opposition win
Claudia Chender wasn’t able to bring the Nova Scotia NDP fully back to power on Tuesday night, but her electoral victories restored the party to its strongest position in a decade and made provincial history in the process.
-
N.S. Liberals lose official opposition status amid several electoral defeats
The Nova Scotia Liberals lost official opposition status on Tuesday night.
Winnipeg
-
Premier Kinew says Trump's tariffs would cause a recession in Manitoba
Tariffs on Canadian goods headed to the United States would mean a recession in Manitoba. That is how Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew feels about comments from president-elect Donald Trump Monday.
-
Winnipeg exploring shatterproof glass for bus shelters as city struggles with repairs
As Winnipeg struggles to keep up with repairs to bus shelters with broken glass, the city is looking to test shatterproof glass in hopes that will save time and money down the road.
-
Walking for love: 100-year-old Winnipeg man continues to make trek to visit his wife
It's considered lucky to live to be 100, but often when you hit that milestone, you're faced with significant mobility issues. Not Winnipeg's Jack Mudry. The centenarian regularly walks five blocks to get where he wants to go, the care home where his wife Stella lives.
Calgary
-
Richard Pootmans stepping down from Calgary city council effective immediately
Calgary's Ward 6 Councillor Richard Pootmans is stepping down from city council, effective immediately.
-
TSB orders more training following incident involving plane in Calgary
The Transportation Safety Board says an incident that involved a Westjet plane hitting the runway in Calgary earlier this year was connected to an issue with pilot training on a particular model of aircraft.
-
Alberta takes aim at emissions cap, proposes rules on trespass and data gathering
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is eyeing a number of steps to challenge the proposed federal greenhouse gas emissions cap.
Edmonton
-
RCMP investigate death of MMA fighter in bout on Alberta First Nation
Police are investigating the death of a man at a mixed-martial arts fight Saturday on the Enoch First Nation adjacent to Edmonton.
-
Alberta takes aim at emissions cap, proposes rules on trespass and data gathering
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is eyeing a number of steps to challenge the proposed federal greenhouse gas emissions cap.
-
Fans, charity score in photo-op with Santa Claus and Oilers star at West Edmonton Mall
One Edmonton Oilers star was ho-ho-holding off on playing hockey Tuesday night at the city's biggest mall to help out with photos for charity.
Regina
-
Charged dropped against ex Regina high school teacher accused of sexual exploitation of student
A former Regina high school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female student was acquitted on Tuesday of all five charges he faced, Regina’s Court of King’s Bench confirmed to CTV News.
-
Affordability and tariffs dominate talk as legislature resumes in Saskatchewan
Day two of an exceptionally short fall sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature has now wrapped. An opposition motion to cut the provincial gas tax was struck down while the government faced criticism on more than half a dozen portfolios.
-
SJHL game postponed in Weyburn over ammonia leak
A hockey game scheduled between the Yorkton Terriers and Weyburn Red Wings has been postponed due to a "mechanical issue."
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon man hospitalized after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead
A man has been taken to hospital after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead early on Tuesday.
-
The Riche stuff: Off-season addition enjoying early success with Saskatoon Blades
The Saskatoon Blades were back in action Tuesday after a rare day off due to the snow Monday.
-
Affordability and tariffs dominate talk as legislature resumes in Saskatchewan
Day two of an exceptionally short fall sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature has now wrapped. An opposition motion to cut the provincial gas tax was struck down while the government faced criticism on more than half a dozen portfolios.
Vancouver
-
'It's intimidation': Vancouver councillors told to stop displaying children's artwork during meeting
Two Vancouver city councillors were told to remove children's artwork from their desks during Tuesday's meeting, after one of their colleagues called the display of the drawings "intimidating."
-
Vancouver school trustees feud over public access at meetings
There were tense scenes at a Vancouver School Board meeting Monday night – with two trustees claiming there is a culture of secrecy.
-
Premiers plan meeting with PM, scramble to respond to Trump's tariff threats
Donald Trump's threat to slap 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods imported into the United States has created major waves.
Vancouver Island
-
Public help sought in search for missing man with dementia
The family of a 64-year-old man with dementia is pleading with the public to help, urging a close look at pictures of their loved one – as a search for him extends into its fourth day.
-
BC Ferries changing direction on how it receives community feedback
BC Ferries says it’s changing route on how it receives feedback from the public.
-
B.C. court levies $4K fine, year-long ban for illegal fishing
A British Columbia man was handed a $4,000 fine and a one-year fishing ban after he was caught using a gillnet to illegally catch salmon.
