Workers begin demolition of Overbrook apartment building destroyed by alleged arsonist
An apartment building at 240 Presland Road in Overbrook that was damaged by an alleged arsonist in February is being demolished.
The 32-unit building was said to be damaged beyond repair and 53 people, including families and young children, were displaced.
The property is a non-profit housing structure owned by the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC). In a statement on Wednesday, the housing corporation confirmed the building was being demolished and all former tenants have been re-homed.
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"CCOC obtained a demolition permit from the City of Ottawa earlier this fall," said CCOC executive director Sarah Button in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.
"Due to the poor condition of the remaining structure, it will likely take a number of days to complete the demolition safely."
CCOC added they are looking to redevelop the site as affordable housing, but said the plans are in the early stages.
Pamela Shillingford, 31, has been charged with arson to property, arson endangering life and attempted murder in relation to the fire.
The fire engulfed the building four-storey building on Feb. 21. The blaze broke out around 5:20 p.m. and quickly went from a two-alarm fire to a three-alarm fire as crews called in additional firefighters to help deal with the powerful flames.
Ottawa firefighters on scene of a fire on Presland Road. Feb. 21, 2023. (Scott Stilborn/Ottawa Fire Service)
Flames could be seen shooting out of the roof of the four-storey building and within an apartment on the top floor. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze and two adults were transported to hospital in stable condition.
The fire was declared under control just before 9 p.m. but the building was damaged beyond repair and residents were placed in temporary housing.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Josh Pringle and Ted Raymond
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before Jasper can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes "for several weeks."
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six figure water bill.
Health Canada warns some naloxone kits contain false instructions
Health Canada is warning some take-home naloxone kits come with bad instructions that should be ignored in favour of the correct guidance.
Paris dazzles with a rainy Olympics opening ceremony on the Seine River
Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century on Friday with a rain-soaked, rule-breaking opening ceremony studded with stars and fantasy along the Seine River.