The demolition of institutional buildings on Red Deer’s Michener Centre North site is complete and site grading and clean up is underway.
Chloe Carr, press secretary for the Minister of Infrastructure, said crews are currently removing the foundation and utility infrastructure. Roadway removal is also progressing, and crews will continue to perform site clean up between now and early next year.
Changes are mostly visible from the north side, facing the Clearview Ridge neighbourhood.
“The landscaping phase has started, and will continue again in spring 2023. This includes grading, top soil placement and seeding,” Carr said in a statement.
Related:
Red Deer’s Michener North demo is slated for completion this fall: Alberta Infrastructure
The former provincial land, dotted with mature trees, is being purchased by the City of Red Deer and will eventually be incorporated into the city’s parks system.
Contractors began demolishing unused buildings in April of 2021.
Boarded up and fenced-off, the 28 buildings located between 55th Street and Crossley Street, have been vacant since 2015 when remaining Michener residents were moved to the south site, or into group homes for people with developmental disabilities.
Related:
Michener North site will become part of Red Deer’s park system, says city official
The government contracted Visco Contractors Ltd., of Edmonton, to remove the brick structures from the 158-acre parcel, which is located next to the Michael O’Brien wetland and the east entry to the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary.
Demolition and reclamation of Michener Centre North site are expected to cost $15 to $20 million.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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