A section of Oliver Street in downtown Williams Lake is getting a new look, as demolition and work to regrade some lots is underway.
Remains of four buildings have finally been cleared away and now an excavator is onsite filling and levelling an area left in limbo since 2019.
The buildings had been vacant since a structure fire in September 2019.
The fire began at 84 Oliver Street, which was at the time the Diamonds and Dust Entertainment Lounge (formerly the location of The Boot Cabaret). It was the third fire at the location in the same year, after what were reported as two arson attempts, one in May and one in August 2019.
While the third fire in September completely destroyed the Diamonds and Dust building, it also destroyed the neighbouring New World Cafe and led to water damage to a neighbouring barber shop, tattoo shop and restaurant.
The barber shop building, just short of turning 100 years old, the Praying Mantis Tattoo building, which also housed Circuits City Cell Phone and Tablet Repair, and Ming's Palace Restaurant building were all so severely damaged by water during firefighting efforts in 2019 the buildings were no longer usable. Ming's Palace Restaurant was finally able to rebuild and opened again to the public in late 2023.
In 2023, the city had also ordered remedial action to take place on the Diamonds and Dust property, and the owners decided to sell the property rather than spend money on engineering.
The property was sold to Celtic Engineering Ltd., which obtained the required demolition permits from the city last month and then recently had the utilities disconnected.
Demolition work began the week of Sept. 2, 2024.
The buildings which were demolished include a small house which was behind Caribou Source for Sports, Praying Mantis Tattoo and the barber shop. Diamonds and Dust and New World Cafe had already been destroyed by the fire in 2019.
Celtic Engineering has not returned inquiries as to their plans for the properties.
