Abandoned mall decays in Pointe Claire

It used to be a busy commercial hub, but now, it’s just an eyesore.

The former shopping centre on Donegani Ave. just west of Sources Blvd. in Pointe Claire is now a dilapidated building, boarded up for years. The lot it sits on is for sale.

The City of Pointe Claire has gone to court to try to get the mall torn down. A decision is expected soon, said Mayor Morris Trudeau.

“It is an eyesore, that's for sure. It could be a hazard for people going on the inside of the building. We have had people enter the building and this is a concern for the City of Pointe Claire,” he said.

There is ice and water in the basement, among other issues, said Trudeau.

The lot is listed for $3.7 million by real estate agent Jim Parsons.

“It's 170,000 square feet of land, which is a big land area. The current market value per square foot for land like this is in the neighbourhood of $25-30 per square foot. We're asking $22,” he said.

Part of the problem is that strictly commercial zoning has ruled out any condo developments.

“Anybody wishing to purchase the property would have to come to the city and they would have to bring plans to build something in a commercial nature,” said Trudeau.

Parsons says he will meet with city officials this week to work on possibly changing the zoning to make it easier to sell – hopefully turning the ugly lot into something easier on the eyes.