Group of 8 derelict abandoned buildings to be demolished in Ontario city

A cluster of derelict buildings along Hamilton's future LRT corridor is finally being demolished, with Metrolinx confirming that the work is set to begin in mid-December. 

Eight Metrolinx-acquired properties, which have become quite the eyesore for locals, will all be demolished over the next two weeks to make way for the Hamilton Light Transit (LRT) line. 

Addresses include abandoned or aging buildings at 1215 King St. E., 1253 King St. E., 1646 Main St. E., 1652 Main St. E., 3 Barnesdale Ave. S., 7 Glendale Ave. N., 1145 Main St. E., and 1147 Main St. E. 

The buildings are being demolished to make way for the future Hamilton LRT. Photo: Google Street View.

The transit agency notes that residents and businesses near the construction sites can expect occasional noise, vibration, and debris removal as excavators move in. According to the notice, demolition at each location should take up to two weeks, followed by another two weeks of site restoration and recycling of materials. 

The upcoming demolitions mark another step in long-running prep work for the forthcoming Hamilton LRT, a 14-kilometre line that's planned to run through the city's downtown core from Eastgate to McMaster, with service along Main Street, King Street, and Queenston Road. 

The future line is expected to move roughly 50,000 riders per day and support more than 16,000 additional transit trips, with direct connections to GO Transit and HSR buses. 

Rendering of the Hamilton LRT's future King Street East underpass. Photo: Metrolinx.

Although some activity has commenced along the line's future route, the LRT itself isn't under construction just yet. Back in May, the provincial government issued its first Request for Proposals (RFP) for early civil and utility work, with up to $3.4 billion in joint provincial and federal funding going toward the project. 

"Enabling work," such as environmental assessments and utility relocations, has been underway since 2023. A contractor for the line's initial work package is expected to be selected sometime next year, and from there, Metrolinx says the project will enter the alliance development phase, which will take another 18 to 24 months. 

This means major construction might not begin until 2028 or later, pushing the potential opening date closer to 2032, although officials still stress that this date isn't guaranteed.