City frustrated by delay in house demolition: official
The demolition of a dilapidated house in the Mayfair neighbourhood that was found to contain asbestos has been delayed again.
The City of Saskatoon has contracted a company to complete demolition of the house, but work must wait until more information can be provided to a provincial ministry.
The Ministry of Occupational Health and Safety needs to review the work plan for any such demolition and the ministry has asked for more information to ensure worker safety, a city official says.
“The level of detail for this project requested by the ministry was not expected,” Kara Fagnou, the city’s director of building standards, said in an emailed statement on Monday. “The City of Saskatoon is frustrated by the continued delays this project is experiencing, however we do support and understand worker safety is a priority.”
Fagnou sent the update Monday to community associations in the area near the home located at Avenue B and 34th Street. Demolition began on the house in September, when a material containing asbestos was discovered.
Fagnou said in April the city hired a company to complete the demolition, but opted to wait until temperatures were consistently above freezing, in keeping with accepted safety practices.
The city continues to work with its contractor and the ministry, Fagnou said.
“It is important to note there is no risk to the public or residents in the area,” she said Monday. The ministry has also not raised any concerns about public safety, Fagnou added.
She said the public will be updated when demolition can resume.
City council on Monday passed a bylaw change that reduces the time frame for residential demolition permits from two years to 60 days.
That change was brought about in response to concerns about the Mayfair house. Some residents feel it’s unsafe, despite assurances from the city and the ministry.