The Municipality of Chatham-Kent says nine buildings in downtown Wheatley are being prepared for demolition in the next few weeks.
Chatham-Kent's Manager of Corporate Communications Eric Labadie said the buildings set to come down are:
27 Erie St. N.
29/31 Erie St. N.
37 Erie St. N.
9 Talbot Rd. E.
11 Talbot Rd. E.
13 Talbot Rd. E.
15 Talbot Rd. E.
17 Talbot Rd. E.
23 Talbot Rd. E.
"Residents will soon see some increased activity in the downtown area as contractors will be on site for mandatory site meetings. These site meeting are taking place April 29, 30, and May 1, 2024," said Labadie.
He said demolition is expected to start no later than June 3, 2024 and could last for several months.
The buildings along Erie Street North and Talbot Road East were deemed unsuitable for redevelopment and remain fenced within the evacuation zone.
Downtown Wheatley was rocked by an explosion in August of 2021, destroying several buildings in the area and injuring 20 people.