The demolition of a historic barn in Byron has led to charges against the owners of the property.
The City of London announced Friday afternoon that the charges under the Ontario Building Code Act and the Ontario Heritage Act, were laid after an investigation into the demolition of a barn at 247 Halls Mill Rd. on January 30. The demolition happened at night, days after the barn had been given heritage designation by the city. The barn dated back to the 1880s when it served as a coach house and warehouse for a wool mill.
“We have taken this matter very seriously and these charges are the result of a full investigation,” says George Kotsifas, managing director, development and compliance services and chief building official.
According to the city, the charges relate to activities leading up to and including the demolition of the barn. The owners are alleged to have gone ahead with the demolition, despite not having the required permit. They are also accused of not complying with the Building Code or the Heritage Act.
"The charges include one count under Section 8 and two counts under Section 36 of the Ontario of the Ontario Building Code Act, and one count under Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act," the city said in a news release issued Friday.
Violations of the Ontario Building Code Act and the Ontario Heritage Act can result in fines of up to $50,000.
