City crews remain on site of both the fire investigation and a watermain break on 5 Street and 2 Avenue South in Downtown Lethbridge.
At the Lethbridge Hotel, Fire Investigators paused work yesterday to accommodate for the water work need. The separation of materials and fire investigation will continue when safe to do so. Air quality monitoring is ongoing in compliance with provincial occupational health and safety standards. Once the fire investigation and street clean-up is complete, control of the site will be returned to the property owner to determine next steps on demolition and/or rehabilitation of the building.
Due to the watermain break that occurred Tuesday, March 7, 26 residential properties and 6 businesses were evacuated. The Canadian Red Cross is currently supporting those displaced from their homes to provide basic needs.
The cause of the watermain break has not been determined and work to uncover underground infrastructure was difficult due to freezing temperatures. The break has now been fixed and water restored to the majority of the block. Work is ongoing to restore other utilities.
The City will continue to work with the property owner and residents on the next steps. If residents can not return to the building, additional supports within the community will be engaged to help those impacted.
For Public Inquiries:
Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
