Update: Demolition Work Continues on Queen Street in Lakefield

The Township of Selwyn is providing an update on the ongoing demolition work following the recent structure fire in the Village of Lakefield.

Significant progress has been made on the demolition of the structures razed by the fire. For safety reasons, Queen Street will remain closed for approximately another week while demolition continues. The Township appreciates the community’s ongoing patience and understanding as this critical work proceeds in a controlled and safe manner. Burnham Street between Queen Street and Charlotte Street will also remain closed throughout this period.

“We know how eager everyone is to see Queen Street reopen,” said Mayor Sherry Senis. “The closure is required to ensure public safety and provide a safe workspace for the demolition crew. We are grateful to residents and business owners for their continued patience and support as this important work continues. Businesses are open in the downtown – shop and visit them, they are ready to serve you!”

Businesses in downtown Lakefield remain open and ready to serve customers. The Township encourages residents and visitors to support local shops, restaurants, and services, and to enjoy the hospitality and kindness that define the Village of Lakefield.

To support local businesses and encourage visitation, the Township is highlighting several initiatives underway or in development, including:

• The Lakefield Scavenger Hunt – to help drive local engagement (postponed due to the fire and rescheduled for a later date);
• Lakefield Ladies Night – a community-focused shopping event;
• Holiday Programming aimed at supporting “shop local” efforts; and
• An upcoming media story highlighting Selwyn, including Lakefield.

In addition to these supports, Peterborough County and the Township of Selwyn will be working together on an upcoming Social Media Campaign for Lakefield to Shop Local, Support Local, and Visit Local. This series will highlight local stores, community groups, and ongoing efforts while encouraging visitors to return and experience all that Lakefield has to offer.

More details on each of these initiatives will be shared soon.

Garbage and Recycling Collection for Businesses in the Closure Area

To ensure continued collection services for businesses and tenants affected by the road closures, the following arrangements are in place:

• Business owners that back onto Charlotte Street must place their garbage and recycling on Charlotte Street.
• Businesses located on the corners of Queen Street can use the appropriate side street (Albert Street or Reid Street).
• All other businesses must take their garbage and recycling to the Reid Street end of Queen Street and place items on the inside of the road barricade (not on Reid Street itself).

Please ensure containers are clearly marked with your address so they can be easily identified and returned after collection.

Streetlights on Queen Street

Two streetlights on Queen Street, immediately adjacent to the affected buildings, were removed during firefighting operations. These will be reinstalled once the demolition is complete. 

The Township extends sincere thanks to the demolition crews, emergency responders, Township staff, and community partners who continue to support Lakefield’s recovery efforts.