Metrolinx will start demolishing Hamilton LRT properties on Thursday

Metrolinx delivered notices to residents today about demolishing the first slate of 21 properties it's tearing down for Hamilton light-rail transit (LRT).

The transit agency informed neighbours of nine of the properties, the first of which will be demolished on Thursday.

Metrolinx purchased the properties for an LRT project that's been in the works since 2015. The project has been up in the air since last December, when the province cancelled it. Mayor Fred Eisenberger has said the provincial and federal governments are working with the city and the private sector now to revive the system, which would run alternately down King and Main streets from McMaster University to Eastgate Square. 

But the project's fate is still unknown.

Spokesperson Matt Llewellyn says Metrolinx staff was hand delivering notices. 

"We had promised the community we would keep them apprised, and that's what we're doing today," he said. 

Here's a list of the planned demolitions:

Property: 1185, 1183, 1181, 1179, 1175, 1173 King St. E. 
Start Date: Dec. 3, 2020.
Duration: Four weeks. 

Property: 1207, 1205, 1201, 1199 King St. E.
Start Date: Dec. 17, 2020.
Duration: Five weeks.

Property: 1141, 1139, 1137 King St. E.
Start date: Jan. 5, 2021.
Duration: Three weeks. 

Property: 1153 King Street E.
Start date: Jan. 5, 2021.
Duration: Two weeks.

Property: 1149 to 1151 Main St. E.
Start date: Jan. 11, 2021.
Duration: Three weeks.

Property: 951 to 953 King St. E.
Start date: Jan. 19, 2021.
Duration: Three weeks. 

Property: 943, 935, 929 King St. E.
Start date: Feb. 4, 2021.
Duration: Five weeks. 

Property: 658 to 660 King St. E. 
Start date: Jan. 25, 2021.
Duration: Three weeks. 

Property: 401 King St. E.
Start date: Jan. 25, 2021. 
Duration: Two weeks.