Demolition of the former Belleville police station to make way for Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward Hastings’ Habitat Village project has been delayed due to asbestos.
Habitat CEO Hazzem Koudsi says the demolition phase was to wrap up in late November but is now expected to be completed by the end of January.
Koudsi says they knew some asbestos was in the building but more was found in areas they were unable to assess earlier.
“So, upon further investigation as we were demolishing the building, we found that there was asbestos containing vermiculite in the north, west and east original exterior walls, and in the basement stairwell.”
It’s still being determined how the delay affects the budget.
“We do have an amount for unexpected surprises. This one is still in the calculation stage as they continue to work through the building. There could be a small amount added to the bottom-line price that we agreed upon but nothing substantial.”
Koudsi says the goal is still to have the five-storey, 66-unit condo-style affordable housing complex ready for occupancy in June 2028.
He adds the $8.3 million No Place Like Home fundraising campaign to support the development continues.
