The City of Cranbrook has contracted crews to tear down the former Knight’s Hall building and will send the bill to the property owner.
City officials said work started on Friday, after a fire on Dec. 19 damaged the building and further compromised its structural integrity.
City council declared the structure a nuisance on Dec 22, as the building’s condition presented a public safety hazard.
A demolition order was issued to the property owner, requiring the building to be completely torn down by Dec. 27, which did not happen.
“The owner had the opportunity to ask for Council reconsideration,” said city officials. “The owner did not exercise his right for reconsideration; thus, the City is moving forward with the demolition and fire investigation.”
The property owner will be charged for the cost of the demolition.
City officials said the investigation the fire investigation will happen as demolition work proceeds, as structural issues kept investigators from entering the building.
The B.C. Office of the Fire Commissioner is on the scene to support and advise local investigators.
Drivers are asked to detour around the area while work is underway, and obey on-site staff and signs in the area.
You can use Leask Avenue West around the closed-off section of King Street.
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