A City of Barrie building official says the elderly man killed in Saturday's roof collapse had a demolition permit to complete the work at the Yonge Street address.
The 77-year-old property owner was in the process of tearing down the house at 429 Yonge St., when the roof collapsed. He was rushed to hospital where he died after suffering critical injuries.
According to Michael Janotta, the city’s chief building official, a demolition permit was issued for the address Sept. 14.
“The issued permit includes a permit placard, a site plan indicating the buildings to be demolished, and a notice about required inspections,” Janotta wrote in an email to BarrieToday. “The permit was issued in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
"No further action/inspection occurs until the demolition is complete," Janotta added.
Emergency crews responded to a 911 call shortly before 1 p.m., Saturday, at 429 Yonge St., south of Little Avenue.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday their investigation is close to complete.
“We were working with the coroner’s office, but basically the injuries are consistent with the roof falling in on the house itself and trapping the homeowner,” Leon said Monday. “There doesn’t appear to be anything beyond that and our investigation is continuing, but nearing completion.
"There doesn’t appear to be anything suspicious," he added.
The incident occurred at 429 Yonge St., but the victim, whose name has not been released, lived two doors down at 435 Yonge St.
On Monday, a neighbour told BarrieToday the victim was his landlord and owned several properties "up and down this stretch of Yonge Street."
"He was a good guy," said the man, who didn't want his name used. "There were never really any problems with him.”
The area along Yonge Street between Little Avenue and Big Bay Point Road has drawn interest for development, though a city official said there are no formal applications being considered at this time.
