Residents living near the long-vacant Woodglade House may soon see progress, as the property has reached the final stages of the demolition process, according to Monaghan Ward Councillor Matt Crowley.
In an update on social media, Crowley said he and Councillor Don Vassiliadis have spent months working with the City of Peterborough’s Legislative Services department to move the demolition forward. However, he noted that legal and procedural requirements have significantly slowed the process.
“I haven’t been able to say much about this property over the last several months,” Crowley wrote on the West-End Group Facebook page, explaining that much of the information involved legal matters that could not be discussed publicly.
Crowley said many residents have questioned why the City has not simply demolished the structure, but emphasized that municipalities do not have the authority to enter private property and remove buildings without following a strict legal process.
“The City does not have the legal authority to walk onto private property and demolish a structure, even one in this condition, without first completing a very specific series of steps,” he said.
According to Crowley, the situation was further complicated because the property was the subject of multiple investigations involving Fire Services, police, insurance investigators and other agencies. Those investigations had to be completed before the City could begin pursuing its own options regarding the property.
Once the City was able to proceed, officials were required to complete ownership verification, provide legal notices, prepare documentation and observe mandatory waiting periods prescribed by legislation.
Crowley acknowledged that the lengthy process has been frustrating for both residents and elected officials but said those requirements are designed to protect municipalities and taxpayers from potential legal challenges.
The good news, he said, is that the project is now approaching the finish line.
The file has been turned over to a demolition contractor, who is currently obtaining the necessary approvals and utility sign-offs required before a demolition permit can be issued. Crowley said the timeline now largely depends on utility companies completing required disconnections and removals.
Once those steps are complete, demolition is expected to happen quickly.
“Trust me when I say that the pace of this process has been just as frustrating for Councillor Vassiliadis and myself as it has been for the residents who have had to live beside it,” Crowley said.
He added that he will provide a public update once a firm demolition date has been confirmed.
