City may demolish downtown Kitchener buildings damaged by fire

Buildings damaged by fire in 2011 are seen on King Street in downtown Kitchener on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. (Brian Dunseith / CTV Kitchener)

Two buildings in downtown Kitchener may be ordered demolished by city officials.

The buildings, located on King Street East, were damaged by fire in 2011 and have sat untouched ever since.

City of Kitchener officials say the buildings have been deemed unsafe, while neighbours say they’d like to see something nicer to look at.

“It’s a bit of an eyesore,” says Kevin Thomas, owner of restaurant Rainbow Caribbean Cuisine.

“Somebody needs to initiate a plan of action. If it’s up to the city to instigate something for action to commence here, I’m all for it.”

The owners of the buildings have been given three weeks to repair or remove the buildings.

If nothing is done, the city says it will bring in a demolition crew and add the cost to the owners’ property taxes.