Demolition order being placed for Hiram Street home

The front of 35 Hiram Street in Wallaceburg in the morning of Wednesday, June 28, 2017 (Aaron Hall)

Following a fire back in April, and after some complaints from neighbours, steps are being taken to have a house in Wallaceburg torn down.

Erin Merritt, a by-law enforcement officer with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, told the Sydenham Current on Thursday that a complaint was received about the property at 35 Hiram Street.

“I have been out to the property and (completed) an inspection,” Merritt said.

“At that time, I completed an ACR to have the tall grass and weeds cut by Public Works, and also reached out to the Fire Department, to ensure their investigation and dealings with this property were complete.”

Merritt said she received confirmation from the Fire Department that they were done with the property.

“I have requested a title search, which I have just received, and will be moving forward with placing an Order to Demolish the house, accessory building and removal of the yard debris in the rear yard of the property. This Order should be out (by Friday, June 30) and also posted on the property.”

Merritt said the owner, or anyone having an interest in the property, will have the right to appeal the order.

“I will then have to conduct an Appeal hearing which will delay any clean-up at the property,” she said.

Merritt said once the process is completed, she will be sending the Sydenham Current dates of when to expect the work to be completed.

The timetable is up in the air at the moment.

Wallaceburg Coun. Jeff Wesley praised Merritt for her work, adding that this area of work is not easy.

He said strict procedures and timelines need to be followed to ensure it is all done properly and will stand up to any legal challenges.

Investigation complete

The Criminal Investigations Unit of the Chatham-Kent Police Service has wrapped up their investigation into the April 22 blaze.

It had been investigated as an arson.

“There was insufficient evidence to charge any suspects with arson, therefore, the investigation is now complete,” Const. Kelly Helbin, public information officer, told the Sydenham Current.

“The estimated damage value is $100,000 and the fire is believed to have started due to a couch being set on fire at the rear yard of the residence.”

Sgt. Ed Gibson said back in April that there were no occupants at the time of the fire.

The blaze resulted in a total loss, Gibson said.

Photos and video from the scene can be seen, here.

Chris Case, assistant fire chief with the Chatham-Kent Fire Department, told the Sydenham Current back in April he would not provide any details or comments about the incident while the police investigation was active.

Officials with Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services could not be reached on Thursday for immediate comment.

Neighbours not happy

Several neighbours in the Hiram Street area contacted the Sydenham Current, complaining about the condition of the property.

Knee-high grass, rotten food in the backyard, mattresses lying around and rodents and raccoons fighting at night were some of the complaints.

A sign was also hammered into the ground, which read ‘Shame on C-K’.

One neighbour said the Municiplaity was called multiple times over the past few months since the fire.

“It’s a mosquito haven right now,” another neighbour said.

“It’s disgusting… it’s an eyesore.”

Here are some more photos taken on Wednesday, June 28 (before the Municipality cut the grass later in the day):

Watch for more on this story.


– Photo credit: Aaron Hall

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