Demolition of the former Vulcan Iron Works site began last week, but work was temporarily halted Tuesday, after a visit from a workplace safety and health officer.
Sheldon Blank, who owns the property in North Point Douglas, said he hoped the demolition would resume Wednesday, after providing the provincial department with more information about the project.
“It’s been a long road to deal with this thing,” the owner of Gateway Industries said.
The former Vulcan Iron Works foundry at Sutherland Avenue and Maple Street in April. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)
A provincial spokesperson said a stop work order was issued when a workplace safety and health officer visited the industrial site Tuesday.
“The stop work order remains in effect pending receipt of information to ensure appropriate procedures, training and PPE are in place to address the risks prior to demolition/remediation work commencing,” the spokesperson wrote in an email.
The complex at Sutherland Avenue and Maple Street North was ravaged by fire in July. Since then, it has been the scene of multiple smaller fires, which Blank said were deliberately set by trespassers.
He said a contractor began clearing the site May 23, after the city issued a demolition permit. He hopes the work will be completed within 60 days.
The contractor will clear piles of debris and remove a steel superstructure.
A wet demolition — spraying water on materials — is taking place to prevent possible asbestos exposure. There are requirements for the removal and disposal of debris.
Blank said work was previously done to remove asbestos from buildings on the site, but workplace safety and health is concerned some may remain.
He hopes to salvage a building that is still standing on the east side of the property.
Blank said he did not have insurance, resulting in a financial loss in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The site was up for sale before the July fire. Blank said the site could be redeveloped or continue to be used as an industrial site in the future.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca