Two-storey building at risk of collapsing on Dundas St. W. partially demolished

A two-storey building in downtown Toronto that was at risk of collapsing Friday afternoon has been partially demolished, according to municipal officials.

An excavator was brought in late Friday night and began tearing away at the façade of the building that had already “partially collapsed” and was in danger of collapsing onto the street below.

Crews continued their work during the early morning hours on Saturday. An update posted on the City of Toronto X account said the “unsafe” part of the structure was removed but the rest of it requires further assessment.

Earlier on Friday, construction crews working on an unrelated project nearby noticed the building at Dundas Street West at Augusta Avenue suddenly move and promptly called 911.

Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop said the hope was that demolition crews could bring the building down in a controlled fashion before it tumbles on its own.

The building, which has businesses on its lower level and apartments on the second floor, has been evacuated, along with the adjoining buildings.

Fire officials tell CityNews eight families have been displaced. They’ve been taken in by the Red Cross temporarily.

Dundas Street West was closed between Augusta and Denison avenues until Saturday afternoon. TTC streetcar service has since resumed.

Jessop said there were no reports of an explosion or fire causing the structural issues, and fire crews were on site quickly.

“I’ve been doing this job for a long time, I have not seen something like this just happen,” Jessop said.

UPDATE : The City of Toronto can confirm that the contractor has completed the removal of the unsafe structure however, further assessment of the remaining structure is required before it can be deemed safe.

Foot traffic will be diverted from the sidewalk adjacent to the… https://t.co/B4LWgh14f2

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) August 17, 2024

TFS on scene at Dundas St W and Augusta Ave. The front façade and roof of a building have been compromised and at risk of collapsing. Crews searched the building and evacuated up to 10 persons. No report of injuries. Preparing for any further impact of a collapse.#Toronto ^dc pic.twitter.com/rrkUQcRu44

— Toronto Fire Services (@Toronto_Fire) August 16, 2024

HAZARD:
Dundas St West + Augusta Av
10 a.m.
– Reports of a two story building that is 'leaning' towards the sidewalk/street area on Dundas
– Concern the building may collapse
– Police are on scene with @Toronto_Fire
– Dundas is closed from Augusta to Denison#GO1791248
^lb pic.twitter.com/40KGBdBzyC

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) August 16, 2024