Closures required for hotel demolition

The City of Lethbridge has issued a permit for the demolition of the Lethbridge Hotel that was destroyed by a fire earlier this year. The work is slated to begin as early as the week of July 24 and will require road and sidewalk closures.

The specifics of the closures will be determined as work proceeds and is expected to be similar to the closures required during the fire investigation. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to watch for detour signs and be cautious in the area.

The timelines for the completion of the demolition is uncertain at this time. The work will be weather dependent and can only proceed when winds are below a certain threshold because of the asbestos contaminants in the building. This will require a specialized removal process and Occupational Health and Safety is involved to ensure workers and public are safe at all times during the demolition.

On February 24, 2023, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) crews responded from four stations with 28 members to a structure fire in the 200 block of 5 Street South. Upon arrival, the vacant Lethbridge Hotel building was showing visible flames from the upper levels and crews quickly worked to extinguish the blaze.

Following the LFES and Lethbridge Police investigation, the fire was determined to be intentionally set and a 33-year-old male was charged in late May. At that time, the building was turned back over to the owner who is responsible for the demolition of the property.

We thank the public and the impacted businesses for their ongoing patience and understand as work proceeds to complete this site clean-up in our downtown core.