The Michener Centre North site water tower in Red Deer. (rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By Sheldon Spackman

Michener Water Tower

Another Red Deer landmark torn down

Apr 21, 2022 | 1:18 PM

With many Red Deerians focused on the high profile demolition of the Black Knight Inn this week, a second well known landmark in the city already came down last week.

On April 13, the old silver water tower located on the Michener North site in Red Deer, was also torn down.

Hadyn Place, press secretary for Alberta Infrastructure, says it was all part of the structural demolition, hazardous materials abatement, and site clean-up work that remains ongoing at Michener Centre North.

“Demolitions proceed only once a structure has been properly cleared of all hazardous materials,” said Place, in a statement to rdnewsNOW. “The age of the structures has necessitated a careful approach to hazmat abatement and demolition, however the contractor is still working toward a late fall 2022 target for demolition completion and site remediation.”

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Place notes there are no area trails or pathways currently closed due to the project. The project contractor is Visco Demolition Contractors Ltd.

Place says the Michener Centre North buildings have been vacant since 2014 and were no longer required for program delivery, in addition to being in poor condition.

Place says site activities so far have included the removal of hazardous materials from buildings prior to demotion and landscaping following demolition. Hazardous materials on site have also added complexity to the demolition project, and timelines have been adjusted to safely address these materials as part of the demolition.

He points out, the condition of the buildings means they were not suitable for repurposing for other uses, with demolition being the safest and most cost effective way forward for the site. Place says the deteriorated state of the structure also added complexity to the time required for the consultant to review the site in preparation of demolition.

He says the government is continuing to work with the City of Red Deer to ensure the project is completed with as little disruption as possible to surrounding neighbours.

The project was announced by the provincial government in late 2020, after extensive land and building studies, and after reviewing the profound history and sensitive ecology of the escarpment and wetlands in the area.

“The demolition of the buildings and reclamation of this provincial surplus site will put The City of Red Deer in the best position to make use of the area,” said Infrastructure Minister Prasad Panda, at the time of the announcement.

The Michener North lands have deep roots in Red Deer’s history, economy, park space, and natural areas. City officials say the centralized location provides a place to reflect history, access the Waskasoo trail system, experience wildlife and enjoy open outdoor space year round.

Recreational use paths in the area are anticipated to remain open as long as possible, but may need to be closed periodically throughout the demolition process. The City will provide notice of all path closures, and signage will be in place.

Residents in the area will continue to see increased traffic along Crossley Street, on the north side of the site, with a temporary access road to remain in place in that area.

Related: Demolitions well underway at Red Deer’s Michener Centre North site