St. Catharines gives former GM site 120 days to complete cleanup work
St. Catharines cleanup order upheld for former GM site on Ontario St. See why officials say the unsafe property must be repaired or removed soon
The City of St. Catharines has upheld cleanup orders for a former General Motors auto parts site on Ontario Street after an appeal by the property owners was dismissed.
The property standards committee granted a 120day extension for the owners to repair, replace or demolish buildings at 282 and 285 Ontario St. City officials said inspections found serious issues, including damaged roof sections, unsecured openings, corrosion, crumbling brickwork and partially collapsed structural elements.
Residents and city witnesses told the hearing the site has been a longstanding safety concern and that further delays would only prolong the problem. The owners’ representative argued the work is complex and said engineering reviews and other steps were already underway. The company now has until Oct. 23 to comply, and it may still appeal to Ontario’s Superior Court.