Magee House deadlock galls neighbouring businesses

Businesses nearMagee House in Hintonburgare pleading with the city to do more to help shoppers make their way around the partially collapsed heritage building.

Ever since the west wall of the old stone house at 1119 Wellington Street W.crumbledon July 24, a chain-link fence has blocked access to the sidewalk and on-street parking spots in front of the property.

That fence will likely remain in place until the building's owner, Ovidio Sbrissa, begins work to restore thebuilding, but there's no telling when that will happenif ever.

"We're assuming that this is going to be an indefinite situation," said Dennis Van Staalduinen, executive director of theWellington West Business Improvement Area.

"That's what drives us absolutely insane."

Sidewalk closure 'devastating'

The BIA has drafted a letter to the mayor pleading with the city to reinstate the sidewalkregardless of what happens to the building.

"All I want is my sidewalk back, and I want it back yesterday,"VanStaalduinen said.

The sidewalk closure has been "devastating," nearby businesses toldCBC.

"It effectively has cut off any of our walk-by business. People know nowthat the sidewalk is closed, so they kind of avoid this block," said Ian Fraser, co-owner of Cyclelogik, a bike shop and spinning gym next door to Magee House.

The fence has also reduced scarce street parking, Fraser said. But moreconcerning is the threat to pedestrian safety.

'We're just lucky we haven't seen anyone hurt or killed'

6 years ago

Duration 0:48

Dennis Van Staalduinen, head of the Wellington West Business Improvement Area, wants the city to figure out a way to reopen the sidewalk in front of the partially-collapsed Magee House. He says the closure is bad for business and dangerous for pedestrians.

Magee House sits halfway between Carruthers Avenue and Pinhey Street, and Van Staalduinen fears pedestrians who choose to jaywalk rather than backtrack to the nearest crossing are risking their lives.

"We're just lucky we haven't seen anyone hurt or killed," he said.

Councillor pressing for solution

The city did not respond toCBC's request for an interview before our deadline.

Kitchissipi Coun. Jeff Leiper called news of the continuing closurediscouraging, but vowed to keep working on a solution.

"I'm pressing the city to try to come up with some kind of a creative solution to get that sidewalk reopened," Leiper said.

City officials have ordered the owner of the building to come up with a plan to stabilize the building by Dec. 10, and will monitor itin the meantime.

The city has said Sbrissais responsible for all costs related to closure of the sidewalk and loss of parking spaces.