Abars on Riverside Drive could be demolished
City councillors will have to decide whether they want to demolish the old Abars on Riverside Drive or save the building by giving it a heritage designation.
The long-time bar closed in November after a dispute with the property owner — the Canadian Transit Company — and the tenant. In recent weeks, the company has applied for a permit to tear the building down.
Because Abars is on the city's heritage registry, the owners must present their case to the city's heritage commission, which will give recommendations to council about the building's fate.
Politicians can then either let the owner topple the structure or give it a heritage designation outlining which features need to be preserved.
Windsor's heritage planner John Calhoun said Abars does not have any significant features that make it worthy of heritage designation. The building's history, though, could justify its protection.
"It seems to be last of the roadhouses, being it was built out in the country before Riverside existed," Calhoun said.
Abars history
Originally owned by the Hebert family, Abars was originally named Abars Island View Tavern and used to offer lodging services.
The Hebert family sold the bar to one of its long-standing employees, Calhoun explained. The building was eventually bought by the Canadian Transit Company.
Heritage committee members will be preparing a report for council once the company makes its presentation.
"The choices available to the city are to allow the demolition or to initiate a heritage designation, which describes the features and so forth of the building that would be preserved," Calhoun said.