August 13, 2012

Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake, Ontario turned over to owner

The Ontario Ministry of Labour announced that control of Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake, where two women died after the roof collapsed, has been transferred to the property owner, Eastwood Mall Inc., and its insurance company.

“The property owner is required to develop a plan to stabilize the structure,” the province stated in a press release Friday. “This plan will be approved by the ministry before the owner can access the building and conduct a structural evaluation.”

The province stated that for safety reasons, orders issued by the province and the city restricting access remain in effect.

Two women were killed after the roof at the mall caved in June 23.

Premier Dalton McGuinty later announced a public inquiry would be held into the events surrounding the collapse.

The inquiry will be led by Judge Paul Belanger, who is scheduled to hold an informal initial meeting in Elliot Lake Aug. 15. The inquiry “will review relevant legislation, regulations and bylaws, policies processes and procedures of provincial and municipal governments and other parties with respect to the structural integrity of the Algo Centre Mall and the emergency management and response,” according to the inquiry website.

Last month, the Ontario Provincial Police were assisting the Ontario Chief Coroner’s office in its investigation into the deaths of Doloris Perizzolo and Lucie Aylwin and were also conducting a criminal investigation.

Ministry of Labour inspectors visited the mall six times over the last three years, the most recent being January 11 due to a leaking roof.

DCN DIGITAL MEDIA

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