INNISFAIL - After sitting derelict for more than three months, works crews will begin the demolition of the fire-ravaged 115-year-old Globe Coliseum in the historic block of downtown Innisfail Wednesday.
The two-story building near the southwest side of Bankers Corner sustained a devastating early morning fire Aug. 2; a blaze that destroyed four residential suites on the second floor, leaving several citizens homeless.
There were no injuries to any resident and all were safely housed with either friends or family members.
The ground level floor, which was the home to a new vape business and Inspiration Ink Tattoos, sustained heavy smoke and water damage. There was also damage to The Gift Loft store in the historical building next door.
Although the official cause of the blaze has not been released, it's believed the fire was started by a fallen power wire.
The demolition contractor is W4 Contracting out of Spruce Grove.
Jesse Henderson, the company's co-owner since 2018, said this is only the second time his company has demolished this type of historical building.
In the previous instance, the company demolished a historical church in Morinville.
The Globe Coliseum's demolition will start this afternoon at about 1:30 p.m. which Henderson anticipates will take one hour to complete.
He said it will take several days for cleanup after the demolition.
This morning's work is in preparation of the demolition; setting up fences and signage.
Everything is done under Occupational Health and Safety regulations, he said.
Air monitors will be set up on site because of asbestos and other contaminants that could spread through the demolition process.
"You just can't make it like a rodeo. Everything has to be done by the book," said Henderson.
"It's a pretty simple operation; we do it quite often. We're pretty proficient."
When the demolition starts there will be barricades set up on Main Street.
