"We don't want to see the same fate that occurred to the Balfour building to happen with the Thomas building," Tim McCabe, general manager of planning and economic development, told council yesterday.

Council could designate the William Thomas building, which neighbours the Lister building along James Street, as a heritage property. McCabe said the city wants to see what could be preserved of the original 1855-56 facade.

The owner, the Laborers' International Union of North America, has said it would like to save the building's face.

In the wake of the collapse last month of the Balfour building, beside Lister on King William Street, council also voted to investigate how other cities deal with inspection of vacant buildings. Staff will report back on the possibility of a proactive inspection system.

But McCabe underlined to council that ultimately, private property owners are responsible for ensuring their buildings are safe. More...