Site Improvements

Demolition and abatement will be completed by Zeuss Demo and Recycling, commencing on October 10, 2024. 

Safe removal and decommissioning of the structure is a priority for Minto Communities, as such we are happy to announce that the demolition work will begin earlier than planned. The building has stood in a dangerous state of disrepair for several years and we have heard through community engagement that safe removal is of utmost importance for many in the community.  

What neighbours can expect:  

  • Site crews and equipment will be active onsite. 
  • For your safety, fencing will line the entire property, marking an active construction site. This includes green space within the site’s property line.  
  • A commitment to safety and environmentally responsible removal of hazardous materials which may include; lead paint, mould, and asbestos.  
  • Site work will respect and work within Calgary noise bylaw restrictions.  

Asbestos abatement specialists have been engaged and will take extensive measures to ensure all hazards are contained within our site. This will include third-party verification for air quality. 

We do not anticipate any changes to traffic patterns within the community. Trades will park onsite rather than on neighbouring streets.  

Fall
2024 
  • Our crews will mobilize equipment, and the perimeter of the property will be fenced as an active construction site.  
  • Abatement of hazardous materials within the structure will begin. 
  • Areas around the building will be cleared to facilitate safe demolition. 
Winter 2024/2025 
  • Phased demolition officially begins in areas clear of hazardous materials. 
Spring
2025 
  • Abatement of asbestos will be completed 
Summer 2025 
  • Demolition is expected to be completed. 

 

If you have questions or concerns regarding the site improvements, please contact us at engage@minto.com.  

Minto Communities is pleased to provide this status update on the actions we have taken in our management of the 2501 Richmond site since we purchased the lands on May 24, 2023. We are pleased to share that the physical improvements and security program we have implemented have had a positive impact on the site, and we hope you have noticed the same. These changes include:

  • Signage on the building has been enhanced to identify security contact information as well as the personal health hazards that exist from use of the site.
  • The unsafe playground equipment has been successfully removed.
  • Over 90% of the windows and doors have been boarded up and barricaded with the involvement of our security contractor and support from the City of Calgary Police and Fire. This has proven to be effective at preventing individuals from accessing the building.
  • A full-time security presence includes added cameras, lighting and 24-hour security guards that monitor the site.
  • Several adjacent streetlight outages were repaired through escalations with the City of Calgary to improve nighttime visibility.
  • Landscaping has removed shrubs and pruned existing trees to eliminate hiding areas and improve security sight lines.
  • General maintenance of the site is ongoing, including mowing grass and actively removing debris from the site.

Minto and our security provider maintain ongoing contact with the City of Calgary’s Coordinated Safety Response Team (CSRT). Implementing their recommendations in late June effectively prevented unauthorized building access, resulting in a significant decrease in attempted site access.

If you see suspicious activity or non-emergency situations at the site, please call 1-855-543-8477. For any emergencies or crimes in progress, call 911.