Bathurst orders demolition of Bank of Montreal building

The Quebec limestone facade of Bathurst's former Bank of Montreal could be demolished by 2016.

The building was damaged in the Nov. 28 fire that destroyed much of the streetscape on King Street in the downtown area. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Local MLA Brian Kenny has formed a committee to save the historic building and raise funds, but city manager Andre Doucet says the site could be dangerous.

"We advised Mr. Kenny that even though he's doing that, we have a duty as a city, as a municipality, for the public safety of our citizens," said Doucet.

The roof of the building is gone, and the interior is destroyed. Fallen beams are visible through paneless windows.

Kenny told CBC News the structure was sound, however, based on consultations with local contractors and architects. He believes the cornerstone can be salvaged.

The city has sent a demolish order to the owner of the building, nonetheless.

Most recently, the old bank housed a Greco pizza shop, but it has been vacant for several years.

The insurance on the building expired weeks before last month's fire.

"Once the owner receives the order, we usually allow a week, two weeks to answer us," said Doucet.

Kenny's committee will have a few weeks to raise funds and come up with a plan, before the city is forced to take action.

If the owner does not answer, the city will demolish anyway, under the Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Act.

Two other buildings, a pet shop and a restaurant, were demolished shortly after the downtown blaze.

A third is still standing but damaged inside. Doucet says the owners are in talks with their insurance company.