Damages from Friday night explosion on west Mountain pegged at $1 million

The fallout from a late-night explosion that rocked a west Mountain neighbourhood on Friday will cost about $1 million to repair, Hamilton police say.

But it will take as long as two weeks for investigators to determine what exactly caused the blast - and whether it will warrant any criminal- or fire-related charges against property owners.

Const. Krista-Lee Ernst said Tuesday the police investigation into the incident is dependent on the findings of multiple tests currently being conducted by the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).

Those tests can take one to two weeks," said Ernst. Once they're completed, Hamilton police will move forward with its investigation based on that evidence."

Ernst added all explosions in Ontario are subject to mandated scientific tests and procedures from the OFM.

The explosion occurred at around 10:30 p.m. last Friday and sent shock waves felt from kilometres away.

It completely levelled a 3,500-square-foot home at 279 Bonaventure Dr. and badly damaged two other properties flanking it.

No injuries were reported.

At least 10 residents from three homes have since been displaced. Two of the properties affected - 279 and 277 Bonaventure - were vacant.

Ernst said the home east of 279 Bonaventure is awaiting approval from the city before residents can safely move back in.

Neighbours told The Spectator on Monday the home at the centre of the explosion has been the subject of constant construction work in recent years, and sight of its owners has been sporadic.

Google Maps street view photos show the front and sides of 279 Bonaventure were under renovation in October 2015 and July 2019.

Ownership at the single-family home has changed five times in the last eight years, according to property records.

The most recent exchange was March 5, 2021, when the home was sold for $655,000. The Spectator has been unable to reach the present owner.

While Ernst said the owners of 279 Bonaventure were not present at the time of the explosion, she could not confirm if people had been living there before.

That is part of the investigation," she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. George Gallant of the Hamilton police at 905-540-5085.

To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online.

Sebastian Bron is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sbron@thespec.com