The report’s author, André Houle of the engineering firm STP ING inc., points to a brick façade wall that has detached from the roof and is “hanging by a thread.” He says the wall could fall straight onto St‑Ambroise Street, where pedestrians walk and cars are parked.

Houle also notes that the risk of collapse could increase during winter or spring. Freeze‑thaw cycles weaken the mortar, and any earthquake vibrations could further destabilise the already fragile structure.

To protect the public, the city has closed the portion of St‑Ambroise Street that runs beside the plant because the hanging wall could fall at any time.

Houle argues that controlled demolition is the only safe and rational solution. La Malterie inc., a subsidiary of Renwick, has already submitted a demolition request to the city, hoping to remove the hazardous building as quickly as possible.