Landmark demolished to make way for future developments
A landmark on the edge of Orillia is now in ruins.
Demolition is underway on the Atherley Arms building along Highway 12 to make way for future development.
"The owners just want to clean the site up and get rid of all the garbage, and it will be a vacant lot for now," said Township of Ramara Mayor Basil Clarke.
According to Clarke, the developer's long-term plan is to build a residential 12-unit structure.
The mayor noted sewer and water infrastructure limitations as factors for the delays with the property development.
"Until we get water and sewer for the Rama Road corridor and Highway 12, unfortunately, this place just can't move forward," said Clarke.
Over the last century, the property and the several extensions and renovations of the Atherley Arms building have served as a gentleman's club, restaurant and bar.
Crews demolish the Atherley Arms building on Highway 12 in Ramara Township, Ont., on Nov. 29, 2022 (CTV News/Kraig Krause)
For many locals, the building served as a landmark and brought back memories of their youth.
"It meant a lot of things to a lot of different people," said Chrissy Hucker, a long-time area resident.
"Some of the old-timers will remember a time when some of the guys come off fishing from the lake and sell their white fish to pay for their beer. Not mentioning any names."
Hucker had hoped the building could have been preserved rather than left to deteriorate.
"It's been a historic landmark all my life, and I kind of miss it, and I know there was a lot of negative connotations with it, especially in the later years," said Hucker.
Many neighbours said they have been waiting for the building to be removed for years, calling it an eyesore.
According to the mayor, the building sat vacant for nearly 20 years and was deemed unusable.
Clarke said he sympathizes with those who have fond memories of the building but added it was time to move on.
"When you look at the township, and how we move forward, how we want to progress with economic development, this site has been a real eyesore. It's the first thing you see when you enter our township," he said.
According to Clarke, the council agreed to give the developer a 20-year abatement period of development charges to help speed up the cleanup process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson Airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation
Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.
Frustrated farmers are rebelling against EU rules. The far right is stoking the flames
Mainstream political parties failed to act on European farmers' complaints for decades, one farmer says. Now the radical right is stepping in.