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It’s really happening - the demolition of Sarnia General Hospital about to begin

Troy Shantz The job of removing asbestos from the former Sarnia General Hospital building and adjacent nursing residence will begin next week, the first step in the site’s long anticipated redevelopment.
OldHospital
Sarnia firefighters equipped with breathing equipment and rescue tools conducted a final sweep of the former Sarnia General Hospital building Thursday. Submitted Photo

Troy Shantz

The job of removing asbestos from the former Sarnia General Hospital building and adjacent nursing residence will begin next week, the first step in the site’s long anticipated redevelopment.

The deal has closed on a landmark agreement signed in August between Sarnia and GFIVE Inc. It will see the city give the company $5.4 million in stages to raze, remediate and rebuild the derelict property into a mix of new housing and low-rise commercial buildings.

The company’s five principals — Charles Dally, Alex Jongsma, Mark Lumley, Kenn Poore and Marty Raaymakers – purchased 7.5 acres of city-owned land for just $1,000.

But they are now responsible for any unforeseen problems arising from the asbestos remediation, which according to one estimate could cost $8.8 million.

Poore, a commercial real estate specialist, said Friday the partners aim to have the former nursing residence demolished by the end of November. The main hospital could be down in February, with some sections even earlier.

“We don’t want to waste any time,” he said. “We want to get right to work.”

Demolition permits are awarded once inspectors confirm the asbestos is gone.

Last week, city firefighters donned full hazmat suits and breathing equipment to the enter the hospital and conduct a half-day search.

They found “obvious signs of the building being used,” said Bryan Van Gaver, Sarnia’s Deputy Fire Chief.

The boarded-up hospital has been a magnet for homeless people, metal thieves and criminal activity. Sarnia Police said this summer officers had investigated 116 incidents, with 24 arrests and 56 charges laid.

Increased security is already in place, Poore said. Fencing has been erected, security cameras installed and guards will be on-site 24/7.

“Everybody is happy to see that something is happening,” said resident Mike Hurry, who lives across from the old hospital.

“I had a good conversation with Mark (Lumley) and Alex (Jongsma) and my sense is they want to work with the neighbourhood, they want to do a good job.”

Poore said as the planning process unfolds the company will meet with the neighbours again to discuss future uses of the property.

“We intend to communicate to neighbours any significant events coming up,” he said.

GFIVE has a website at www.gfiveinc.com where construction updates can be monitored. Comments or concerns can be directed to [email protected].


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