A demolition permit has been issued for a derelict building in Brampton that has been at the center of a standoff between the city council and a local councillor.
The building, located at 21 Nelson Street West, has been a source of controversy for years. It was deemed unsafe and ordered to be demolished by the city in 2018, but the owner, a numbered company owned by local councillor Gurpreet Dhillon, has been fighting the order.
After multiple failed attempts to negotiate with Dhillon, the city finally issued a demolition permit on Monday. The permit allows for the building to be torn down and the site to be cleared within 60 days.
According to the city, the building has been a safety hazard and a blight on the community for too long. The structure has been deemed structurally unsound and poses a risk to public safety. The city has received numerous complaints from residents about the state of the building and its impact on the neighborhood.
Dhillon, who has been a vocal opponent of the demolition, has argued that the building has historical significance and should be preserved. However, the city has refuted these claims, stating that the building has no historical value and is beyond repair.
The standoff between Dhillon and the city has been ongoing for years, with the councillor facing multiple fines and court orders for not complying with the city’s orders. The city has also accused Dhillon of using his position as a councillor to delay the demolition process.
The demolition permit has been welcomed by residents and local businesses, who have long been frustrated with the state of the building. They hope that the demolition will improve the safety and appearance of the neighborhood.
The city has stated that it will be monitoring the demolition process closely to ensure that it is carried out safely and efficiently. The site will also be inspected after the demolition to ensure that it has been properly cleared.
In the meantime, Dhillon has not yet commented on the issuance of the demolition permit. It remains to be seen if he will continue to fight the order or comply with the city’s decision.
The demolition of 21 Nelson Street West marks the end of a long-standing dispute between the city and a local councillor. It is a step towards improving the safety and appearance of the neighborhood, and residents are hopeful for a positive outcome.
