Demolition of Old Fire Hall

In December 2023, BC Housing started work to remove a section of the Old Fire Hall that was at risk of collapse. The Old Fire Hall is a two-storey wood building with a gabled roof. The original section was built in 1924.

Two flat-roof extensions (apartment wing) were added to an original middle Station House building in the late 1940s. A partial demolition of the apartment wing, due to structural damage, was conducted in December to prevent irreversible damage to the original building.

Once demolition started, the Station House revealed signs of significant degradation as well. High cost and safety risk make it unfeasible to preserve the remaining structure. The decision was made to demolish the entire building. BC Housing has erected fencing and a contractor is on-site to complete the work. The demolition is expected to take place in January through to February.

BC Housing is working closely with the City of Coquitlam’s Planning and Development department to ensure the demolition is carried out responsibly. Some heritage artifacts have been identified within the building, and BC Housing will endeavour to remove and store these items to guard against destruction. Project partners, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation, are aware of the safety risk posed by the structural degradation, and are supportive of the work.

Through a master planning process, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and BC Housing will include an approach for the physical management of heritage-era buildings. We will explore ways for how to best to remember their complicated social histories. In the meantime, we will continue to address matters related to heritage building preservation moving forward.

Please be sure to follow all safety signage and approach the site with caution. Direct any questions to [email protected].