Smiths Falls council is trying to preserve the former Albion hotel from possible demolition.
Built in the early 1800’s, the 11 Market Street South has been vacant for decades and has been owned by Hydro One since the 1960s alongside their substation.
Hydro One has told the town they plan to demolish it, which is something Mayor Shawn Pankow says can’t happen.
Council is moving ahead with the Municipal Heritage Committee’s recommendation to designate the hotel as a property of interest.
But Senior Planner Karl Grenke made it clear if a demolition proposal is submitted and meets all legal requirements, the town is obligated to approve the request regardless of opinion.
Discussing the possibility of declaring the building a historically significant site would delay the review of a proposed demolition for up to 60 days.
Story by Grant Deme
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