Like 'The Sands' through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives

The soap opera surrounding an infamous North Bay derelict property is nearing its conclusion after North Bay City Council voted unanimously to award a nearly $150,000 contract for demolition work and clean-up at two McIntyre Street East locations.

Unlike the televised afternoon dramas, municipal officials are hoping the saga involving the former Sands motel and a neighbouring property will include no cliffhanger reveals and the work will proceed imminently at 358 and 366 McIntyre St. East.

See original story: So long, Sands?

The contract has been awarded to Sturgeon Falls-based Ed Seguin and Sons Trucking and Paving Ltd. The evaluation considered experience, ability and price, and according to the City, its quote "was the lowest bid and provides the best overall value to the City. Their bid is considered fair and reasonable."

Coun. Johanne Brousseau noted the award of the contract will ensure "citizens, in the near future, will see the results of a long and pandemic-delayed process. The expense of the demolition of these two buildings will be passed onto the owners. The demolition of these two buildings will clean up a prominent intersection in the core of the city and create opportunities for a potential redevelopment of the property."

The initial deadline for the demolition of May 2020 was pushed back to November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the City. When that deadline was not met, the City stepped in to "bring the property into conformity. The award of this contract will result in the removal of two vacant buildings that remain in a state of disrepair." 

Coun. Scott Robertson, who has pushed for strict by-law enforcement of derelict buildings and properties, added he was excited to see the contract awarded to combat "the negative impacts on the community — particularly the downtown," these properties have. "I can't wait to see what happens in those spaces. I know there's more to the process but this is a big step."

See related: No 'dereliction' of duty as Council redevelops, passes incentive program

The demolition process is imminent: "The City is expecting the contractor to begin work as soon as all required contract documents are completed." 

Following years of negotiation between the City of North Bay involving property standard sanctions on the properties' owners — and public outcry over the deteriorating condition of the corner lot at McIntyre East and Fisher — the sands of time have nearly run out for the once vibrant Sands.