TORONTO: The Don Valley Parkway (DVP) in Toronto has reopened to traffic following the demolition of a fire-damaged building adjacent to the highway. Traffic was fully restored on the closed stretch early this morning.
The vacant factory building at 2 Matilda Street—located near the highway between Queen Street and Dundas Street—was severely damaged in the blaze. Northbound lanes of the highway were closed starting at 7:30 PM last night to facilitate the emergency demolition work. The roadway was safely reopened before 6:00 AM today.
As part of the demolition operations, on-ramps and off-ramps at Don Roadway, Eastern Avenue, and Queen Street were also temporarily closed.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
The massive fire broke out in the building around 9:30 PM on Wednesday, October 14. Authorities stated that the origin, cause, and circumstances surrounding the blaze remain unclear, with police noting that the incident appears suspicious.
One police officer sustained minor injuries during the incident and was transported to the hospital, according to paramedic services.
Structure Vacant for Years
Toronto Fire Services Chief Jim Jessop noted that the building, which previously housed a live events venue and a coffee company, had been vacant for years.
He explained that demolishing the unstable structure was necessary to allow crews to gain safe access inside for primary and secondary searches, as well as to fully extinguish remaining hotspots.
An investigation into the exact cause and circumstances of the fire remains ongoing.
