During Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Art Manhire updated Smiths Falls town council on the demolition work that has begun at 54 Lombard Street.  The demolition of 54 Lombard will provide a green space at a busy intersection which is also due for an upgrade. 

This green space will become a gateway to Victoria Park; a visual welcome to motorists coming North on Highway 15, as well as a pedestrian-accessible entrance.

Councillor Wendy Alford enquired about the specifics of the pedestrian entrance. Manhire explained that “Parks Canada is developing that design; we don’t have that at this point.”

Mayor Pankow asked if there was an opportunity for any of the home’s materials to be salvaged for reuse or repurpose. Director Manhire noted that while much of the building is in truly hazardous condition, staff has reached out to REAL regarding any salvageable materials, and assured council that “we’ll try to reuse and repurpose at every opportunity.” 

The demolition, which began Monday February 8, is expected to take three weeks.

Article by Janelle Labelle