An “eyesore” in the centre of London’s SOHO neighbourhood has been demolished. After a Toronto-based property owner failed to act, the residence at 520 South Street came down quickly Friday morning. The structure had been one of dozens in the city often inhabited by those experiencing homelessness.
It had stood here for over 125 years - but in the span of an hour, the residence was reduced to rubble at the expense of the property owner. Billy, who lives next door, did not shed any tears. He said it had been unkept for some time.
Billy Vanalstine has lived next-door to 520 South Street for decades (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) “When the old lady had it, she looked after it. Well, she owned all this property.” But since then, Billy and other neighbours have watched the house fall victim to time and become derelict.
“A lot of homeless people [stay] there,” said Gavin Smith, who lives across the street. “[There’s been] a lot of issues with it, and most of the time, the house has been falling down. I mean, like the roof is barely connected.
As you could see, when you first got here it was slanted in.” The city’s director of municipal compliance said the property’s condition has been a worry for some time. The concern of neighbours was elevated when a fire broke out in April.
London firefighters are seen battling a blaze at 520 South Street in April 2024 (Source: London Fire Department) “I know a lot of the public feels that we should immediately come in a.