Site of Fire in Liverpool to be Cleaned Up

August 2, 2024; Liverpool, NS: The Region of Queens Municipality is providing an update on the cleanup plans for the demolished vacant multi-unit dwelling at 89 Main Street, Liverpool, which caught fire earlier this year.

Following the fire, the Region erected a construction fence around the property for public safety. At the June 11, 2024 Regular Council meeting, a Dangerous and Unsightly order was approved, giving the property owner until June 18 to appeal or complete the requested cleanup and leveling of the property.

With no appeal received and no cleanup underway by the June 18 deadline, the Region began the cleanup process on behalf of the property owner. As the fire investigation was ongoing, various agencies needed to provide clearance for the cleanup to proceed.

Due to the risk of asbestos in the rubble, the Region conducted testing, which confirmed the presence of asbestos. As a result, the cleanup must comply with Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change regulations.

A contractor has been hired to install a specialized covering to contain the demolition rubble until it can be removed. Measurements have been taken, and the covering has been ordered, with arrival and installation expected by August 19.

The Municipality issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on August 2, 2024, seeking qualified companies to complete the asbestos removal from the site. The RFP closing date is August 16, 2024.

Following the removal of the asbestos and other rubble, the property will be leveled. In cases like this, property owners are required to reimburse the Region for the costs incurred, or the costs become the responsibility of the property owner through a lien on their property.

As work begins on this site, there may be temporary road closures in the area. The Region will work with the contractor to ensure the public is informed of the work being done.