Community looks forward to Elliot Lake mall demolition
A new mall is under construction down the street from the former Algo Centre Mall
CBC News
Posted: Dec 31, 2012 9:26 AM ET
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2013 9:54 AM ET
Over six months ago Elliot Lake declared a state of emergency after the roof of the mall caved in on June 23 and killed two people. (Paul Kazulak/The Canadian Press)
The Elliot Lake mall collapse is painting a painful picture in the minds of residents as many are ready to move past the tragedy that killed two people.
A permit for the demolition of the structure was issued about a week ago.
The demolition team is onsite, but there's no word yet as to when Algo Centre Mall will come down.
Algoma--Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha (NDP) said the demolition company found asbestos in the building, which he thought might cause delays.
However the demolition company is monitoring the air quality at the site.
Over six months ago the city declared a state of emergency after the roof of the mall caved in on June 23.
Rescue teams were deployed, but couldn't save the two women trapped beneath the rubble.
The piles of twisted metal and slabs of concrete that sat idle in front of the mall since the accident happened were recently removed.
Margaret Anne Risdon lives in Elliot lake and said she's hopeful for the upcoming year.
"I think it's going to be a very positive year. Our new mall is being built now and everybody is very excited about it and I think it's really going to help people to feel much better," said Risdon.
The single-floor plaza can house up to 22 stores, which is expected to be completed in November.
Mayor Rick Hamilton said it's not just a shopping centre, it's a community hub.
"Just to socialize, to congregate, to meet every day. They're going to have that back and that's a big void right now," said Hamilton.
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