The final properties to be bought in the downtown evacuation zone of Wheatley are up for discussion at Chatham-Kent Council next week.
A report going before council Monday night is asking for approval to acquire six properties at a price tag of approximately $1.27 million, including legal and appraisal fees.
Councillors are being asked to green light the sales of 15 Talbot Road East for $225,000; 17 Talbot Road East for $250,900; 23 Talbot Road East for $250,900; 11 and 13 Talbot Road East for $250,000; and the Wheatley Hotel at 9 Talbot Road East for $280,000.
Chatham-Kent's Director of Legal Services David Taylor said the six properties in question are the last ones in the evacuation zone that need to be bought to move forward with the next phase of the investigation into a gas explosion that took place in August 2021.
Taylor recommends the sales be funded by the $3 million dollar provincial grant for the Wheatley Emergency and reserves.
Administration has been in negotiations with property owners along Talbot Road East to buy the remaining properties within the current evacuation area. They have been identified as being inappropriate for redevelopment by municipal consultants.
"Given the importance of moving forward with the investigation and the lengthy time and costs involved to expropriate, administration is supportive of proceeding with the purchases as set out," wrote Taylor in his report to Council. "These purchases, if approved, will result in the Municipality owning all properties within the current evacuation zone. This will allow for next steps of the investigation work to proceed."
Last month, the municipality spent $3.5 million to buy 15 Erie Street North; 19-23 Erie Street North; 27 Erie Street North; The Royal Canadian Legion; 29-33 Erie Street North; and 37 Erie Street North.
A blast on August 21, 2021 rocked downtown Wheatley and injured 20 people when Methane Hydrogen Sulfide gas (H2S) came up through basement drains at 15 Erie Street North, the old Pogue Pub.
