Verdun homes being demolished this week for new Champlain

Homes on May Ave. and May St. in Verdun are being demolished this week.

Built in the 1890s, the houses were expropriated earlier this year because they sit right beside Highway 15, and are in the way of the new Champlain Bridge.

With the highway widening to three lanes each way to improve access to the bridge, the houses were forced out.

Crews have spent the past few weeks cutting off utilities and removing asbestos from the houses.

The borough removed decorative items from the homes, including arches and stained glass. They will be moved to Nivard de Saint Dizier Museum on LaSalle Blvd.

Ottawa paid $7.5 million to the owners of a dozen houses, with deals finalized in May.