Woodstock council passes motion requiring the demolition of the fire-damaged downtown building

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By Jim Dumville

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What remains of the more-than-a-century-old McLauchlan Building in downtown Woodstock may be gone before a new year arrives.

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PHOTO BY LISA KEOUGH

Last week, Woodstock council passed a motion ordering the fire-damaged McLauchlan building in downtown Woodstock demolished by Dec. 12.

Following an in-camera discussion during committee of the whole Monday evening, Nov. 24, Woodstock council passed a motion ordering the demolition of the 131-year-old building – which was gutted by fire Oct. 30 – by Dec. 12.

Woodstock chief administrative officer (CAO) Ken Harding said the town will deliver a court order to building owner Marcine Carpenter which will include an undertaking to complete the demolition by the required date.

He said the decision was based upon the "professional opinion" of a structural engineer that the building, as it stands, "constitutes a hazard."

In conversation with the Bugle-Observer Monday morning, Dec. 1, Carpenter said she has not yet decided on what to do with the historical structure. The brick building has been sitting at the corner of Main Street and Queen Street since 1877.

"I will be meeting with the town," said Carpenter, who said she has not ruled out trying to restore the structure.

Currently, she explained, she is weighing her options and cannot comment on her plans.

Harding said the motion passed Nov. 24 sets the deadline of Dec. 12. If the owner cannot meet that deadline, he added, the town can take it upon itself to demolish the structure.

Harding confirmed town building inspector Cheryl Drost has been attempting to arrange a meeting with Carpenter. If the owner cannot fulfill the date set in the undertaking, Harding explained, the town will address the issue again at its next meeting on Dec. 15.

"The town is prepared to call tenders," said Harding.

Should the town carry out the demolition, he added, the cost will be attached to the property as a lean.

Harding said town officials hope they can work out a deal with Carpenter, but they must put the safety of residents ahead of all else.

"It's all about safety," he said. "We're very concerned."

Harding noted the town already enhanced the barrier which surrounds the damaged building, putting up a temporary fence.

Both Mayor Art Slipp and Coun. Peter Kennedy said dealing with the building is a tough issue for council. Both expressed compassion for the building's owner, but noted council must also consider the larger public interest. They each expressed hope a solution which is beneficial to all can be found.

As for what happens to the property if the building comes down, Harding said council never broached that issue during the Nov. 24 committee-of-the-whole meeting.

"One step at a time," he said.