38 Main Street East Update - December 6, 2024

Since the last public update on November 12, work to stabilize the building at 38 Main Street to eliminate the public safety hazard.

Work has been progressing well, however, there have been delays with the removal of portions of the tower due to historical repairs to the tower. Despite this news, the Municipality anticipates that sufficient progress will be made before the end of December, to allow for the removal of the temporary traffic light on Main Street and the reinstatement of two-way traffic.  

After the road is partially reopened, further work will be required to the building to complete the stabilization and allow full reopening of Main Street and Union Street, which is anticipated to take another few weeks.  

Regarding the cost of this work, concerns have been raised in public discussions referencing a cost of $4 million to $5 million. The total cost cannot be determined at this time, however, please note that this figure is inaccurate and the Municipality can confirm that the amount will be significantly lower than the rumoured amounts circulating in the public.  

Please be advised that the Almonte Christmas Parade this Sunday, December 8 will NOT be impacted by the road closure. The route will travel down Main Street past the building, outside of the exclusion zone. All pedestrians MUST remain outside of the exclusion zone and adhere to the sidewalk closure signs posted for the public’s safety.  

As stated in the last update, costs associated with all works will be invoiced back to the property owner. The Municipality has a few different tools to collect these costs.  

For any questions, please contact Melanie Knight, Director of Development Services and Engineering, at mplanner@mississippimills.ca.