A consensus was found at Monday’s committee of the whole meeting by Smiths Falls council to demolish the heritage water treatment plant through the insurers.
The fire last May caused $2.5 million in damages to the main and connected buildings.
Staff suggested making arrangements to salvage certain elements of the 1868 and 1886 stone and brick structures, but with the damage as great as it is, councilor Peter McKenna sees little point.
Handling the demolition through insurers Intact Public Entities was one of two options on the table, the second would see the town handle the job themselves.
Councillor Dawn Quinn wasn’t a fan of that prospect.
Nothing is set in stone yet, however. A motion in favour of demolishing the property still has to pass through council.
Should that be the case, CAO Malcom Morris said the work wouldn’t start right away.
Morris estimates the studies would take between nine to 12 months to complete.
Mayor Shawn Pankow and Councillor Jay Brennan were absent from Monday’s meeting.
Story by Grant Deme