The Ontario Fire Marshal has completed its investigation at the downtown Bowmanville fire scene, and released the properties to the owners, the Municipality of Clarington said yesterday.
There was, however, no word from either the Ontario Fire Marshal or the municipality on the suspected cause of the fire which cost the life of one. Official confirmation of the person’s identity is awaited.
“Demolition crews will begin working to take down the remainder of building 69-75a this weekend, as the building has been deemed unsafe. King Street West, from Scugog Street to Silver Street, will remain closed into next week,” said the municipality.
Demolition work actually started on Friday (see images). A DRPS officer told Durham Post that business owners were in communication with insurance representatives at the site.
Clarington municipality said the structural integrity of the surrounding buildings will be assessed once the demolition is complete. Units 59 to 95 King Street West remain unsafe to enter, and security personnel will be onsite to secure the area. Affected residents and business owners should contact their property owner to understand next steps and timing for future access to the buildings.
“We understand that the loss of this historic downtown building is difficult for many in our community. These properties are included on Clarington’s Cultural Heritage Resources List as ‘Primary’ properties, meaning they are among the best examples of a particular architectural style. Any future rebuild work by the property owner will require that materials, height, width, scale, colour, setback and design (including windows, doors and rooflines) need to be compatible and consistent with the surrounding buildings and streetscape,” it added.
The Region of Durham has advised that all displaced residents have been able to secure alternative temporary housing with friends or family or have arranged accommodations in nearby hotels. Residents will continue to receive counselling, social work support, and the distribution of gift cards thanks to generous donations from the community through the Salvation Army Bowmanville.
Residents can find the latest updates and FAQs at www.clarington.net/BowmanvilleFire.
Meanwhile, it is believed the investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal into the Oshawa fire that killed a monther and daughter, is still ongoing (see below).
The charred remains
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The article isn’t accurate. The *initial stage* of the OFM’s investigation is complete, meaning the investigation is ongoing.
The article is just reporting what the Municipality of Clarington put out.