The cost of the demolition and cleanup of the Empire Hotel on Simpson Street is still being calculated, but it appears that city taxpayers are going to be the ones who foot the bill.
The century-old building was demolished on June 29 after part of the back wall collapsed unexpectedly, creating a safety hazard.
City building officials expect the demolition will cost between $100,000 and $200,000.
A pile of bricks and rubble remains at the site, and the city says it will take two to three weeks to clean it all up now that an environmental study is complete.
The building was owned by a numbered company, but that company has since dissolved.
The city hopes that money can be recouped through a future sale of the property.
(Thunder Bay Television)
