Calgary’s Ogden Legion demolished after being vacant for more than a decade

Once an active community hub and gathering place, Calgary’s Ogden Legion has now been reduced to rubble after being vacant for years and becoming the source of various problems.

The city saying Friday the demolition of the building in the southeast was completed in December with the help of the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department.

“Removing this long-standing problem property supports a safer community and eliminates persistent risks for residents and first responders,” said Chief Ryan Pleckaitis, Chief of Community Safety.

In recent years, the building had been subject to repeated break-ins, fires, unsafe structural deterioration, and ongoing criminal activity. This led to frequent calls to emergency services which escalating risk to both the public and first responders.

Since 2022, police and fire crews have responded to 118 calls for service and eight fire incidents at the property.

RELATED: Fire damages vacant Ogden Legion building in SE Calgary

Due to the ongoing hazards, a demolition order was issued by the city under the Municipal Government Act.

The city says the owner was ordered to address the issues with the building and repeatedly refused to do so.

The city then went ahead with demolition.

When action is taken by the city through a Municipal Government Act order, all costs associated with the work are recovered by adding the total to the property’s tax roll.

The property owner is fully responsible for paying the amount.

Outstanding property taxes can also be recovered through receivership or public auction if they go too long without being paid.

The property owner isn’t required to redevelop the land but is responsible for any associated planning, permitting, approvals, and costs.