Owner’s inaction leaves demolition of fire-gutted Dairy Queen to city hall

Fire ravaged and forgotten, the remains of a former Dairy Queen may soon have a date with the wrecking ball. On Aug. 10, city officials issued a Property Standards Order to make the building safe — but due to inaction by the owner, civic administration now recommend the municipality demolish what remains at the owner’s expense.

Fire ravaged and forgotten, the remains of a former Dairy Queen may soon have a date with the wrecking ball.

On Aug. 10, city officials issued a Property Standards Order to make the building at 421 Wharncliffe Road South safe — but due to inaction by the owner, civic administration now recommend the municipality demolish what remains at the owner’s expense.

“It’s dangerous. It’s a safety hazard,” says Coun. Shawn Lewis who noted gaps in a temporary construction fence and other signs that people have been entering the charred building.

He says there is no time for delay.

“Eventually we do recoup the cost of the demolition either through property taxes or through sale of the land,” adds Lewis.

A pair of suspicious fires in December and July gutted the building.