TIMMINS — A once-popular bar, the former public works building, and a house could be demolished for a TV show.
Staff is recommending Timmins council single-source the demolition of three properties to the TV production The Salvage Kings, which airs on the History Channel. The report will be up for discussion at the July 14 meeting.
The buildings identified are the Central Tavern, known as The Zoo, in South Porcupine, the old Tisdale public works shop on Evans Street, and a Schumacher house located.
The total cost for demolition and abatement is $249,209. That's $20,574 for 34 Fourth Ave., $77,315 for 84 Bruce Ave., and $151,320 for 59 Evans St.
Last year, councillors asked for tougher bylaws on derelict buildings across the city.
"That approach resulted in a number of properties being brought into compliance with the property standards bylaw as well as three properties being demolished across the community," reads the staff report.
"In keeping with that direction Enforcement Services has identified another residential property that must be removed as it is beyond repair. In this instance, the cost to remove the house will be added to the property tax bill."
According to the report, the city owns the other two properties — one through tax sale and the other has "reached the end of useful life."
The city has done a designated substance survey for the property demolitions.
"There are both asbestos containing materials and silica containing materials identified in the properties that will require remediation," reads the report.
For the residential property, the survey wasn't done on the interior because of its poor condition.
"This is one of the reasons we are recommending that the demolitions be awarded to a contractor who can perform the demolitions as well as provide the required abatement of the properties at the same time. They will have the ability to recognize and identify any potential hazard containing materials and then have the ability to deal with them accordingly," wrote staff.
The report also suggests exposure on the show will promote the city.
"It will also show that the city continues to mean business and take action with derelict properties and property owners. Also, it shows that not only is the city taking these drastic measures with private owners, but, is also taking this seriously and applying it to city owned properties," it reads.
A savings of 20 to 25 per cent is also noted with the single-source contract.
Timmins council meets July 14 at 6 p.m. The full agenda and report are available here.
