CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – A home at the corner of Queen and Pond Streets is on its last legs.
The home, purchased by the city earlier this year, is currently in the process of being checked for asbestos and is set to be demolished once that determination is made.
The demolition originally would have begun in about a week, but the province had asked the city to first check and let it know if the building had asbestos.
“It’s just so the proper precautions are taken when the building is taken down, we’re going through all that now,” said Coun. Terry Bernard, who chairs the city’s public works department.
Bernard noted the possibility of asbestos removal was included when the city went looking for quotes for the demolition.
Bernard said he was unsure if demolition would be complete, or what stage it would be at, by the start of the school year in early September.
Council had voted in February to purchase the home for $140,000, as well as paying out the $3,000 mortgage discharge fees, in order to improve sightlines at the intersection.
The building was originally constructed before Queen Street widened, which is why it was so close to the road.
The house had been a sore spot for area residents and Coun. Mitch Tweel, who called for the home’s removal based on a previous traffic report that made the recommendation.
Once the building is demolished, the future of the lot is still up in the air.
There are several possible options for the lot, including affordable housing, green space or leaving it vacant.
Bernard said council has not yet decided what steps it will take.
“That’s something council will still have to talk about, there’s been a few possibilities kicked around,” he said.
