Following the Gummer Building fire of Friday April 6, 2007 the City of Guelph issued this press release. Also posted are the Guelph Building Department’s Press release and video clip of fire.
Public safety, heritage preservation and continuity plans for businesses among immediate priorities in wake of downtown fire
Following Friday’s fire that spread through two downtown heritage buildings, the City, property owners and landlords are working together to save the historic limestone structures and to keep the affected area safe for the public now that clean-up efforts have begun.
The sidewalk remains open to pedestrians on the west side of Douglas Street, but is closed on the east side of the street. The south end of Douglas Street has been closed to vehicular traffic for the immediate future, though two-way traffic is being permitted along the north end of Douglas Street off Woolwich Street to allow access into the residences and businesses on Douglas Street.
Assessments to date indicate that preservation of the Gummer Building’s stone façade is possible. Due to fire damage, the metal soffit and fascias located at the top of the fourth floor of the Gummer Building will require removal as their supporting structure has been severely compromised by fire. A structural assessment of 67-71 Wyndham Street North is required to determine the possibility of facade retention for that structure.
Demolition of the rear portions of both buildings will likely begin later this week to address the immediate danger of further collapse of building elements and to allow further investigation by the Structural Engineers.
“I’m impressed with the quick, collaborative response of the many stakeholders that worked together to provide assistance during this emergency situation, and to address the needs of its victims,” said Mayor Karen Farbridge. “As rehabilitation efforts begin, I encourage all parties to continue to work together with the aim of preserving the heritage architecture that is synonymous with Guelph’s downtown.”
The Guelph Downtown Board of Management is helping service the needs of downtown businesses that are affected. “This fire has had an enormous impact on downtown Guelph, and our first priority is to find new locations and provide assistance to the businesses affected,” says Audrey Jamal, the Downtown Board of Management’s General Manager. “We extend our thanks to the Guelph Fire Department for their support during and after the fire.”
To address environmental needs associated with a fire such as this one, staff from Wastewater Services were at the scene to contain the water run-off from the fire. Run-off was then collected and treated at an off-site facility. Staff have made the Ministry of the Environment aware of the situation and continue to monitor the site for additional run-off.Emergency Services Director, Shawn Armstrong thanks the various City services and community organizations for their assistance during and after the fire. These include the Guelph Fire Department, Guelph Police Service, Royal City Ambulance, Environmental Services, Building Services, and Guelph Transit, the Guelph Downtown Board of Management, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Victim Services, Guelph Hydro and Union Gas.
Businesses or residents affected by the fire can contact the Guelph Downtown Board of Management at 519-836-6144 for more information.