Demolition underway on Dundas Street

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (30/9/2013) The Edith Cavell Building at Belleville General Hospital is slowly being demolished to make room for a new parking lot. The Cavell site was built in 1971 for $1.4 million, and it served as a residence and learning facility. Photo by Tristan Urry

By Alisa Howlett

An aging Dundas Street building is being demolished and a parking lot is taking its place.

The Edith Cavell building, home to nursing students for a short time in the 1970s, will be torn down by Tuesday, says Quinte Healthcare spokesperson Susan Rowe.

The demolition is a phase in the redevelopment of Belleville General Hospital. The plans include a new oncology clinic, emergency department and laboratory, renovations and relocation of the mental health and cardiology departments, and renovations to operating and recovery rooms.

While some of the phases are done, final completion is expected in 2014. The plans have been in the works since 2007.

The building has not served its intended purpose for years and has been vacant for the last year, Rowe said.

“The building has been the site of doctor’s offices, children’s treatment centres and mental health clinics for the last few years.”

Although there are fond memories of the old residence building, the last occupants are not sad to see it go, Rowe adding the building has been in rough shape for years.