Property representatives for 45 and 55 Queen Street North have submitted a work plan to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to address structural concerns identified during the demolition of neighbouring buildings.
The issues at 45 and 55 Queen emerged during the ongoing removal of 47 and 49 Queen Street North, where a large portion of debris has already been cleared. Building permits have now been issued, and structural work is expected to begin soon.
The municipality says it will continue monitoring conditions on-site to ensure public safety. The area remains fenced off, but the sidewalk along Queen Street will stay open to pedestrians.
Concerns about the row of buildings date back to 2022, when the municipality received complaints about a possible collapse at 47 and 49 Queen.
A structural engineer confirmed major failures, including a partially collapsed roof, and deemed the structures unsafe for occupancy.
An order was issued requiring the owner to assess and repair the buildings, but when those steps were not taken, demolition was ordered.
During demolition, engineers identified pre-existing structural defects in the walls of the adjacent properties at 45 and 55 Queen.
Demolition was paused, and orders were issued to the property owners to remedy unsafe conditions and prohibit occupancy until the buildings could be stabilized.
