A reality TV show is expected to start demolishing a number of Timmins buildings later this month.
In July, Timmins council gave the go-ahead for The Salvage Kings, which airs on the History Channel, to take down three city-owned properties — the former Central Tavern, known as The Zoo, in South Porcupine, the old Tisdale public works shop on Evans Street, and a Schumacher house.
According to the production company, the demolitions are slated to start in late September. Along with the city-owned properties, there is also a private residential demolition.
"People can expect to see our Priestly Safety Team, various demolition machinery and experienced operators conduct a careful and safe dismantling of these buildings," said Guy Chartrand, Priestly Demolitions Inc. vice president of business operations.
"The selection of these particular buildings were a mix of the rich history of the individual buildings and Orders from the City of Timmins to demolish these structures based on their current states of disrepair."
Last year, councillors asked for tougher bylaws on derelict buildings across the city.
Since then, there have been three demolitions as a result of property standard violations.
Sole-sourcing the demolition contracts, which includes remediation, instead of doing separate tenders saves the city about 25 per cent of the cost.
The total cost for demolition and abatement is $249,209. That's $20,574 for 34 Fourth Ave., $77,315 for 84 Bruce Ave., and $151,320 for 59 Evans St.
