A longtime vocal neighbour of the Williams Inn said she is thrilled that demolition of the property's derelict buildings in the back are now underway.
"I am delighted that it's finally happening," said Alena Grosso Wednesday.
Grosso lives and is the manager of Yorston Gables, a townhouse strata complex which borders the back of the Williams Inn property that has seen at least five fires and a lot of trouble on the property over the years.
"It's been a total mess, a nightmare for us," said Grosso, who has put steady pressure on the owners and city to clean up the site.
"I'm glad that it's being cleaned up but disappointed that it took so long."
Grosso said she thought the City was footing the bill for the demolition, however, Mayor Walt Cobb confirmed that the owners stepped up and got the demolition permit.
Williams Inn general manager Denise Delaronde said the main building at the Williams Inn, which is home to 42 renovated hotel rooms and Billy Bob's Country Restaurant and Bar, is open for business.
"I've been here for years and have seen many changes and by far I like this the most," she said, referring to the restaurant. "We're a country town and so it fits right in. We want people to know we're here."
Below: Williams Lake general manager Denise Delaronde outside the main building at the Williams Inn, which is opened for business.
