By the end of the month a 2.4-metre security fence, topped with barbed wire, will encircle the vacant buildings on Michener Centre’s north site.
Private roads around and between the buildings are also behind the chain-link fence.
The fence stretches to Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary’s chain-link fence to the west so public access through the site on that side is cut off.
But people will still be able to walk or bike along the east side of the fenced area to access Clearview Ridge to the north and Michael O’Brien Wetlands and Clearview to the south.
In late November Alberta Infrastructure put up signs to alert the public that a security fence would be installed for safety and security. The cost of the fence and other security measures was estimated at $100,000.
“We’ve been noticing quite a bit of vandalism and quite a bit of activity in those buildings and they are not safe for people to access,” said Dallas Huybregts, Alberta Infrastructure spokesperson.
“We’re doing everything we can as a responsible property owner to keep the area safe.”
The site has 16 vacant buildings and plywood has replaced some windows.
“The green areas will still be accessible, but the area around the buildings will be fenced off by the end of the month.”
Green spaces will be accessible up to sunset as before.
“We won’t obviously be physically restricting the access. But we would ask people to stay out of the green areas after sunset.”
He said all the street lighting around the buildings has also been turned back on, and security staff will continue to monitor the area.
Huybregts said there is no timeline for when the buildings will be removed, but a plan is under development.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com