WATCH ABOVE: Demolition work begins on Fort McMurray’s Penhorwood condos.
EDMONTON — Nearly four years after more than 300 residents were forced to evacuate the Penhorwood Buildings in Fort McMurray, the condemned condos are being torn down.
Demolition work will start Thursday and is expected to be complete by mid-February.
In March 2011 residents were forced to evacuate the condos within 15 minutes after the buildings were deemed unsafe. Owners have had to continue paying their mortgages and condo fees despite being forced out of their homes. The buildings quickly fell into decay, becoming infested with mold and other growths due to water damage.
READ MORE: Fort McMurray’s Penhorwood condos are coming down
Last September the Municipality of Wood Buffalo sent owners a letter that informed them they could face major fines and even jail time if the complex wasn’t demolished. The municipality later apologized for the harshly worded letter, stating it had “no intention of charging or prosecuting anyone.”
READ MORE: Penhorwood condo owners receive apology after being threatened with jail time
The owners are now trying to recoup more than $60 million in damages. More than 28 defendants – including the municipality, developer and construction companies – have been named in the lawsuit.
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