Downtown fire investigations continue

​Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services continue to investigate two downtown commercial building fires.

Demolition of the Bow on Tong building has been completed and demolition of the Lethbridge Hotel will resume in the coming days. These investigations will take significant effort and time with extensive safety protocols required.

Efforts are expected to resume early next week on the demolition of the Lethbridge Hotel. Given the age of the building, careful removal of contaminated material is required for both public and environmental safety. Debris materials have been tested and confirmed asbestos is present and must be remediated appropriately.

Working with Alberta Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and other specialists, City staff remain focused on protecting the safety of public and workers during the demolition. Plans are in place to start the full demolition work early next week and is estimated to take between 6 and 9 days to complete. The work will be dependent on weather and high winds may impeded the speed at which this work can be safely completed. There will be heavy machinery in the area with debris being hauled away throughout the demolition.

Recognizing that surrounding businesses have been significantly impacted by this event, every effort will be made to reopen roads as quickly as possible and help restore regular parking and foot traffic to the area.  On Thursday, crews began fencing off certain areas in preparation for demolition.

It is safe for businesses to remain open and for customers to visit throughout the demolition. If, at any time, there are safety concerns, public and businesses will be notified immediately.

Anyone with questions or concerns can reach out to Lethbridge 311 via telephone or through online chat from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For Public Inquiries:

Call 311 |  Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.