Demolition of former YMCA building begins

The days are numbered for the former YMCA building on Fairford Street, as contractors have begun demolishing the building.

The building, located at 220 Fairford Street East, has been closed since June 30, 2019. During the 2020 budget deliberations, city council approved the demolition of the property. The YMCA building’s demolition is expected to cost $405,000; this was $295,000 in April and has increased $110,000 since then.

Environmental remediation of the building — including removing asbestos — began on Oct. 21, while the building’s physical demolition is expected to begin in mid-November, according to a City of Moose Jaw news release. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

“The city anticipates extra traffic, including construction equipment, in the area and asks residents to observe all posted signage and exercise caution for the safety of everyone,” the news release added. “Safety barriers and signage around the property will be in place.”