Delays downtown due to Dunsmuir demolition

Drivers heading downtown this weekend should plan for delays as a result of road closures while the historic Dunsmuir House building is being torn down.

The city closed the following streets as of Friday:

• Dunsmuir between Homer and Seymour; and
• Richards between West Georgia and Pender.

Sidewalks will remain open for pedestrian access, and businesses in the area say they plan to stay open during the entire process.

Closures will remain in effect until the demolition is finished by Monday morning.

The building was built in 1909 as a hotel and was eventually converted into a shelter.

Last month, the City of Vancouver deemed the 116-year-old structure a danger to public safety. It says the owner, Holborn, a Vancouver real estate developer, neglected the property to the point where demolition became its only option.

Dunsmuir House, which contains 167 single-unit accommodations, has been vacant since 2013.

In addition to this delay, a further traffic alert has been issued due to a crane dismantle on East Hastings at Glen Drive on Saturday and Sunday.

This work will see one lane only in each direction on East Hastings between Vernon Drive and Campbell Avenue. Glen Drive will be closed between East Hastings and Lane North.

With files from Charles Brockman and Angela Bower.