Magee House to stay standing for now

The City of Ottawa will not tear downMagee House on Wellington Street W. at least for now.

The 170-year-old stone house collapsed July 24, and has sat open to the elements ever sincewhile the city and its owner, OvidioSbrissa,tussle over its future.

The city had said it wasdetermined to demolish the building before winter sets in and it falls into further disrepair, potentially endangering public safety.But Sbrissahas refused to tear it down, arguingit can be restored.

In an update to the mayor and councillorsMonday, the city's chief building official, Frank Bidin, and heritage manager Court Curry saidSbrissamust reinforce the building for the winter. If that's not done, the city maintains the right todemolish the building at the owner's expense.

The city has askedSbrissa to provide a building assessment report by Dec. 5, and a stabilization plan by Dec.10.

The sidewalk in front of the building, which has been closed since the collapse, will remain closed indefinitely, the city said.