The Bow On Tong building in downtown Lethbridge has been torn down following a fire on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. (Photo: J. Goulet - LNN, February 2, 2023)

By Justin Goulet

Historic Bow On Tong building demolished following fire

Feb 2, 2023 | 10:56 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – UPDATE (02/03/2023): The City of Lethbridge has confirmed that the closed off road area around the demolished Bow On Tong building has been reopened. The investigation into the fire continues and power has been restored to nearby businesses. The initial demolition clean-up is complete.

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The Bow On Tong building in downtown Lethbridge has been demolished.

A fire broke out at the historic structure on 2 Avenue South on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. No injuries were reported, however, the building suffered significant damage due to the blaze.

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In an update on Wednesday, February 1, the City of Lethbridge said the investigation into the fire was being treated as a delicate process because of the structural instability of the building, as well as its status with the Alberta Register of Historic Places.

The building has since been demolished.

A fire on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 has resulted in the demolition of the Bow On Tong building in Lethbridge. (Photo: J. Goulet – LNN, February 2, 2023)

The portion of 2 Avenue South between 3 Street and 4 Street remains closed due to the heavy equipment that is being used. Residents are asked to avoid the area.

READ MORE: Investigation continues into fire at historic Lethbridge building

The building was sold in 2021. Albert Leong’s family first opened Bow On Tong in China, and set up the store in Lethbridge when they moved to Canada in 1926. Leong was born in the basement of the business in 1941 and operated the store for about 50 years.

READ MORE: Lethbridge’s Chinese community says goodbye to historic Bow On Tong

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