September 28, 2018
Krystalle Ramlakhan, CBC News
The owner of Magee House, a historic property in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood that partially collapsed in July, has applied for a demolition permit to tear the rest of the building down, and city staff are recommending it be approved.
Owner Ovidio Sbrissa, an architect, said he’s waiting for more engineering reports to see what, if anything, can be done to save the building. He’s been told repairs could cost $1 million, and said preserving Magee House might no longer be feasible.
A report to the city’s built heritage sub-committee recommends demolition take place by Nov. 15.
“When the decision is made, things have to go very swiftly,” Sbrissa said. “So in order to save time, we’re covering all the possibilities.”
Sbrissa has said he doesn’t want to demolish the building, but might be forced to.
“I have to consider whether I want to keep my castle or give in to the idea that the castle has outlived its time,” he said.
The recommendations contained in the report also need the approval of the city’s planning committee and council.