Demolition work has begun at Calgary’s former Eau Claire Market as the property’s future remains uncertain.

The city, which owns the property, said that work will be completed by June 1.

The redevelopment of the site is in question after plans for a Green Line downtown terminus station were scrapped. The city recently approved the Alberta government’s revision of the Green Line. As a result, a terminus station is slated to be built instead near a future entertainment centre featuring a new arena that will serve as the home of the NHL’s Calgary Flames.

The teardown includes the demolition and removal of all above-ground structures, along with the underground, the building foundations and all vegetation and hardscaping within the project lands, said the city in a news release.

“Vacant properties can become unsafe spaces in [a] community,” the city added, explaining why the demolition has begun now with the site’s future undetermined.

“The removal of these buildings will decrease the potential for safety and security issues, while fulfilling contractual obligations.”

The demolition work was put on hold until the city and province resolved a months-long funding dispute surrounding the Green Line. The recent deal between the city and province effectively finalized the stretch and station count between the future entertainment section in Victoria Park. But the downtown leg’s plan will not be finalized for another two years as the city reviews its feasibility.

While the demolition moves ahead, questions remain about the future use of the site. The Alberta government’s decision last fall to alter the Green Line’s design—shifting from an underground tunnel to an above-ground route—has cast doubt on whether Eau Claire will ever see an LRT station.

“It’s going to be vacant for many years,” Mark Garner, executive-director for the Calgary Downtown Business Association, told the Canadian Press.

“We’re all speculating right now. I’m getting tired.”

Bill Black, president of the Calgary Construction Association, told CP that a prolonged vacancy period could deter investment in the area.

“How long does that stay stranded for? Ten years? Twenty years?” Black told CP. “Now you’ve gone from an incredible potential to a stagnated block.”

In conjunction with the former market’s demolition, the city is tearing down the River Run townhouse-condo complex after expropriating the property. That expropriation has angered some of River Run’s former residents.

Pictured: Former Eau Claire Market, prior to demolition work now underway.

Photo: The Hill Companies