Metrolinx begins demolishing buildings along Hamilton LRT line

Demolition of 21 buildings along Hamilton’s proposed LRT line begins Thursday.

Metrolinx says most of the properties have been vacant for over a year and are prone to vandalism and break-ins.

Here is the demolition plan:

• Dec. 3: 1185, 1183, 1181, 1179, 1175 and 1173 King St. E., demolition will take four weeks
• Dec. 17: 1207, 1205, 1201, 1199 King St. E., demotion will take five weeks

Construction notices have been sent out to neighbours and area residents.

Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are expected to break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 4, with more demolitions planned for the new year.

• Jan. 5: 1153, 1141, 1139, 1137 King St. E., demolition will take two to three weeks
• Jan. 11: 1149-1151 King St. E., demolition will take three weeks
• Jan. 19: 951-953 King St. E., demolition will take three weeks
• Jan. 25: 401, 658-660 King St. E., demolition will take two to three weeks
• Feb. 4: 943, 935, 929 King St. E., demolition will take five weeks

These properties were originally purchased for the LRT project. Metrolinx says they were needed to widen the street to accommodate the project and were always going to be torn down.

There are 37 other properties owned by Metrolinx on the LRT line that are either being occupied or will be ready for short-term lease.

What happens to those buildings depends on the future of the LRT project.

We are still waiting for a decision on how the $1 billion of provincial transit funding earmarked for Hamilton will be spent.

Premier Doug Ford has said the federal government needs to step up to the table with funds.