On November 6, 2024, nearly 21 months after the City knew there were structural issues with the Gore Building and following nearly three months of inaction after an Order to Comply because the building was unsafe, the City of Hamilton sent David Blanchard’s ownership company an email.
The City gave the property owner five days to provide an engineer’s report, which was supposed to be produced on August 9, or the City would consider legal action.
On Day Five, the buildings collapsed.
The revelations are contained within a timeline being presented to City Council regarding the failures of city processes that led to the building’s collapse.
Over six months after the collapse of two buildings, and subsequent emergency demolition of two other buildings, at 18 to 28 King Street East in Hamilton’s Gore Park, the City’s “interim report” regarding the collapse has been released.
In the hours following the uncontrolled collapse of the buildings on November 11, 2024, it was revealed that the City of Hamilton knew the buildings might be unstable, but continued to issue event permits allowing children to play, veterans to gather, and homeless serving groups to set up when the rubble rained down at 6:12 a.m. on November 11.
Both Mayor Andrea Horwath and City Manager Marnie Cluckie were forthcoming during a media scrum shortly after the collapse. Following the media scrum, the City Manager’s 25 communications staff and managers took control of the file.
City Claimed It Was Digilent, Refused to Release Details
Communications refused to answer straightforward questions or detail any of the City’s actions leading up to the collapse.
Instead, without providing supporting evidence, the City Manager’s Office claimed the City acted diligently and responsibly.
[Due to the ongoing City of Hamilton cybersecurity failure that began in February 2024, the City is not processing FOI requests within the timelines mandated by law. City Council has not announced plans to resume processing FOI requests.]
City Council, responding to public pressure, voted to have staff write a summary report.
The report, originally scheduled for release on April 1st, was delayed twice and only published on May 14.
Timeline of Non-Action: City Failed to Receive Engineer’s Report, Failed To Act
In the months before the November 11 collapse, the City of Hamilton was aware that parts of the roof were open, exposing the building to the elements. The City had been told portions of the building were structurally unsafe.
On February 8, 2023, “orders were issued to repair and maintain the roof in a weather tight condition so as to be able to prevent the leakage of water into the buildings.”
The work was not done because the City was informed by the property owner that ‘they could not safely repair the roof in line with Ministry of Labour safety regulations. As the roof was not safe to stand or work on, even with a lift.”
No further action was taken. The City continued to issue permits for events in front of the building.
On June 5, 2023, City staff wrote that they met with the property owner and “it was determined that certain structural repairs would be required prior to safe repair of the roof.”
No action was taken. The City continued to issue permits for events in front of the building.
The City report states that the Order to repair the roof “remained in progress due to an appeal” in May 2024.
On June 28, 2024, the City’s Building Division determined that an engineer assessment is needed and ordered the property owner to complete one.
The City continued to permit events, including a children’s hay maze, in front of the building.
On July 22, 2024, the City issues an Order to Comply by registered mail.
The City never receives a structural engineering report. The August 9 deadline arrived and passed. On August 13, the City emailed the property owner to remind them of the order.
No further action is taken.
The City continues to permit events in front of the unsafe structures.
November 6, 2024, nearly three months past the due date, the City decides to send a letter to the property owner “giving 5 days to comply, or legal action may proceed.”
The fifth day arrived, and the buildings collapsed.
Staff Blame “Gaps” and Silos
The staff report states that “gaps were found in communication and enforcement processes, including inconsistent follow-up and lack of interdepartmental coordination.”
The report always acknowledges widespread “non-compliance with by-laws” and “lack of escalating enforcement,” which may have contributed to the deterioration of the Gore buildings.
In response, staff state they’ve created a “cross-departmental working group to prioritize enforcement of high-risk vacant buildings.”
Consultant Hired to Investigate Structural Causes of Collapse
The report states a consultant is investigating the structural causes of the collapse. No timeline is provided for this investigation’s completion.
City Considering Increased Fines
A future report may recommend increasing fines for non-compliance with vacant building bylaws, property standards, and failure to comply with building department orders.
Council’s general issue committee meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21. The issue is the 18th item on the agenda.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: May 18, 2025
Last updated: May 18, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version