By Leah Murray

Council green lights demolition of a building downtown due to a leaking gas well

Feb 20, 2018 | 8:24 PM

MEDICINE HAT – City Council voted unanimously Monday night to partner with the Orphan Well Association to tear down the Hitch’n Post Saloon in downtown Medicine Hat.

A gas well drilled in the 1890’s is located underneath the rear of the building. According to the OWA the abandoned well has been leaking methane gas for several years, though the risk to the public is considered low.

Before it was the Hitch’n Post, the site was the home of the former Ming Tree restaurant, but the original well is thought to have been drilled to supply gas to the former American Hotel.

The OWA said there have been attempts in the past to abandon the well, but it’s unlikely it will ever be able to repair the leak successfully to properly abandon the well.

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That means the City of Medicine Hat will put in restrictions to prevent any future structures from being built on the site.

“The reality is that once the demolition occurs, that land will be sterilized from any development in perpetuity obviously because of the issues that are lingering there as far as the gas leaks,” Councillor Robert Dumanowski explained.

Dumanowski said the city could look at some other options for the parcel of land once the building is demolished.

“We’re looking at creating perhaps an outdoor plaza or patio space that perhaps neighbouring businesses may be able to capitalize on,” he said. “There will be potential for additional parking at the back end.”

It’s expected a request for proposal (RFP) will be made March 1st 2018, for any business interested in doing the demolition and expected asbestos abatement.

The initial timeline from the city indicated demolition would begin in April and be completed sometime in July of this year.