Hitch’n Post will fall in October

By Gillian Slade on September 11, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

The removal of the old Hitch’n Post Saloon building at 210 S. Railway will commence this week with the final phase to come the first week in October, at which time there will be minor disruptions.

Scaffolding will go up this week, complete with safety barriers, followed by removal of the front canopy of the structure.

The remainder of the building will come down over three days the first week in October with adjacent businesses being temporarily closed for safety reasons during demolition. At that stage the sidewalk will also be closed and there will be minor disruptions to traffic.

People may watch the demolition taking place but must remain safely behind all barricades and obey all signage.

“We have been working closely with adjacent and nearby businesses and appreciate their understanding and co-operation during this project,” added Stan Schwartzenberger, commissioner for development and infrastructure for the city. “All public safety and environmental regulations will be followed, including continual monitoring of methane levels. Work crews will also wear personal monitors during the demolition work.”

Methane is non-toxic and dissipates readily when exposed to the air, says a city document.

The City of Medicine Hat and the Orphan Well Association formed an agreement last winter on this project in the interest of public health and safety.

Once the demolition is complete the OWA will install an enhanced soil gas management system to manage the methane associated with the old leaking gas well on site. The OWA will manage the old well into the future.

Removal of the building that has deteriorated over time will benefit the downtown core, said Schwartzenberger.

Future use of the site will depend on what utility rights of way will be required around the abandoned well. The city and OWA are splitting the associated costs equally with the city’s portion of the bill being about $460,000.

Anyone with questions about the project can call corporate asset management at 403-502-8019.

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