A longtime Sarnia law firm is moving to the former Bank of Montreal building downtown.
George Murray Shipley Bell LLP (GMSB) will relocate to 215 Christina St. N in February after operating at 2 Ferry Dock Hill for 60 years.
That building, dating back to 1910, has to be torn down due to high water levels. City engineers say it's being undermined to the point where it could partially collapse into the St. Clair River.
GMSB Law Office at 2 Ferry Dock Hill (Photo by Mike Bradley)
City council approved $300,000 for demolition during budget talks on Tuesday. The work has to be done either before March 2020 or late in the year due to fish spawning regulations.
The city bought the property in 2003 and had a 20-year lease with the law firm. The site will likely remain public.
Sarnia CAO Chris Carter commends the law firm for continuing to support the downtown in its relocation.
"The location of the law firm's new offices is a win for the city and GMSB as employees and clients who come to the new office will be able to enjoy the other amenities available within the surrounding area," Carter said in a statement. "GMSB's commitment to remain within the downtown core will help us pursue our vision of a vibrant downtown."
The Bank of Montreal moved its main office operations to the Exmouth Street branch this past June, closing its downtown branch.
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