Anderton Wall FAQ
Questions
- Why did the City buy the Anderton Arms building?
- How much did the City pay for the Anderton Arms?
- What happened to the tenants of the building?
- What will happen to the Anderton Arms building?
- What will happen to the Anderton Wall?
- What's happening with the former Cona Hostel building?
- What is happening with "The Bridge" building at 90 5th Street?
- Is there risk to properties across Anderton Avenue or to the Fifth Street Bridge?
- Why is the movement of the wall a concern?
- What might a partial or total failure of the wall look like?
Answers
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Why did the City buy the Anderton Arms building?
The City acquired the Anderton Arms building to address the safety risk. The design and location of the Anderton Arms Apartment Building make it vulnerable to movement of the retaining wall. The Anderton Arms Apartment Building is showing several signs of structural distress that indicate it is already shifting toward the river.
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How much did the City pay for the Anderton Arms?
The City purchased the Anderton Arms property for $1.55 million. This was determined through appraisal to be fair market value for the property.
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What happened to the tenants of the building?
Tenants have relocated. The City supported their relocation by offering: compensation based on length of tenancy, financial assistance to help with moving costs, and the support of the M’akola Housing Society.
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What will happen to the Anderton Arms building?
The City plans to demolish the Anderton Arms and Cona Hostel buildings in Q2 of 2025.
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What will happen to the Anderton Wall?
After much analysis, the City concluded that further repairs to the Anderton Avenue Retaining Wall are not feasible. The Anderton Avenue Retaining Wall will need to be removed, and the shore will be naturalized.
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What's happening with the former Cona Hostel building?
The City has acquired 440 Anderton Avenue (the former Cona Hostel) by expropriation. This property is also at risk in the event of a failure of the Anderton Avenue Retaining Wall. Demolition of the former Cona Hostel will be required and is expected to be completed when the Anderton Arms building is removed.
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What is happening with "The Bridge" building at 90 5th Street?
The City owns "The Bridge" building at 90 5th Street, on the south-west side of the 5th Street Bridge. Planning is underway for the building to be demolished, potentially at the same time as the Anderton Arms and Cona Hostel demolition. Timing will be dependent on permitting and coordination with neighbouring properties but the goal is demolish the building as soon as possible.
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Is there risk to properties across Anderton Avenue or to the Fifth Street Bridge?
Impacts to Anderton Avenue, and properties on the west side of Anderton Avenue, including: the Filberg Centre, 355 Anderton Avenue, and 255 Anderton Avenue are highly unlikely. Impacts to Lewis Park, located across the river are also highly unlikely.
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Why is the movement of the wall a concern?
The Anderton Avenue Retaining Wall armours land from river flows while supporting backfill for properties along the river. The backfill behind the wall has been sinking and slumping toward the river. This becomes a safety concern for buildings in the area.
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What might a partial or total failure of the wall look like?
Failure may be a gradual slide toward the river; or a rapid collapse, caused by a flood or seismic event.