By Charles Lefebvre

City to begin demolition of Hitch’n Post Saloon

Sep 10, 2018 | 3:21 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Demolition of the Hitch’n Post Saloon will begin on Tuesday.

Crews will begin removing the front canopy of the building on Tuesday, and will be setting up scaffolding, a canopy and barriers to prepare for full demolition.

The building, formerly known as the Ming Tree Restaurant, has been closed for several years. On the site is an abandoned natural gas well, believed to have been drilled in the 1890’s. The well has been leaking methane gas for several years, though the risk to the public is considered low, according to the Orphan Well Association.

The remainder of the building will be demolished over three days, from October 5-7.

The city says it is working with the businesses immediately beside the building, which will be temporarily closed during the full building demolition. In October, there will be a sidewalk closure and minimal disruption to traffic while the building is demolished. People may watch, as long as they remain behind all barricades and obey all signage.

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According to a release, the building will remain well ventilated while the demolition is ongoing, and methane levels will continue to be monitored. Once the building is fully demolished, the Orphan Well Association plans to install an enhanced soil gas management system to continue monitoring the well site.