`IT'S A BIG EYESORE'

Derelict building set for demolition

The long derelict Bank St. building that once housed West Coast Video will be inspected for rats and other vermin before it's demolished.

Coun. Shawn Menard said exterminators were recently called upon to trap rats, mice and other animals inside and outside the two-storey building, which has drawn both ire and bewilderment in the neighbourhood during its 12 years of decrepitude.

“The big concern from neighbours was the rats: They've seen rats around the building,” said Menard, who has been working to solve the problem since taking office in 2018.

The building has also been home to countless birds and the occasional squatter.

The Capital Ward councillor said fencing is expected to go up in October, with demolition slated to take place one month later. The property is then to be beautified with grass and stones.

Many Ottawa South residents could never understand why such a large and valuable property in the middle of their affluent neighbourhood was boarded up for so long.

“It just didn't make sense,” said Kerry Duffy, owner of the Life of Pie bakery directly across the street.

Duffy said she's thrilled the derelict building will finally be knocked down.

“It's not just us. Everybody I've spoken to thinks it's a great thing,” she said Tuesday. “It's a big eyesore. Whatever goes in there long term will be a huge improvement.”

The brick building at 1123 and 1125 Bank once housed both a video store and hair salon. It was heavily damaged in a late-night fire on Feb. 5, 2009, that closed both businesses.

In 2013, the city declared a “war on eyesores” and sought to turn up the pressure on the owners of derelict buildings.

The Old Ottawa South property was one of those highlighted by the city in its campaign.

Next year, city staff are expected to complete a review of bylaws that govern derelict buildings.