There is about to be another hole in Orillia's downtown.
Demolition began today on the West Street building that, for years, housed a shoe store, most recently Walking on A Cloud. The store has been vacant for over a year.
On Monday night, the roof collapsed under the weight of winter's heavy snow.
The force of the collapse blew out the store's papered-up front windows and left one wall leaning into the alley separating it from the former Huronia Trust building.
Today, heavy machinery is on site, tearing down the compromised structure, while city officials and safety crews ensure the area remains secure.
Melissa Gowanlock, the city's manager of communications, confirmed the property was ordered to be demolished.
“I can confirm that the city issued a demolition permit for the property," she said. "The property was released to the owner, and the property owner/contractor are responsible for maintaining a secure area during any work that will be required in compliance with city bylaws."
She said the road closure of West Street, between Mississaga Stret and Coldwater Road, will remain in place until demolition is complete. Residents are advised to avoid the area.
This is the second demolition of a downtown building within a month.
On Jan. 21, the landmark building at the corner of Peter and Mississaga streets burned down; the $4-million blaze destroyed the building. It was systematically demolished in the days and weeks after the blaze
Orillia Fire Chief Chris Ferry says significant snow fall this winter has already caused fire crews to respond to several similar incidents around Orillia.
Earlier this month, the roof of a modular home on West Street collapsed, while a large greenhouse was also destroyed by snow. On Sunday night, two large structures, each home to about 30 boats, collapsed at Starport Marina in Ramara Township.