The City of Lethbridge says a water main break in downtown Lethbridge has been repaired. Photo from March 8, 2023. (Photo: C.Gibson/Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Water main break fixed near former Lethbridge Hotel but residents remain displaced

Mar 9, 2023 | 5:00 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Investigative work will soon be able to resume at the site of a former hotel and nightclub in downtown Lethbridge.

The Lethbridge Hotel and Studio 54 were destroyed in a fire on February 24, 2023. Firefighting efforts in the extreme cold led to an extensive buildup of ice, which necessitated that crews demolish the building.

Extensive ice build-up on the exterior of the Lethbridge Hotel following firefighting efforts on February 24, 2023. (Photo: S.Jones | LNN)

During the demolition work on March 7, 2023, a water main break occurred near the site in the 500 block of 2 Avenue South. The City of Lethbridge said fire investigators were forced to pause their investigation in order to accommodate the necessary repairs.

The building across the street from the fire site, and a total of 26 residential properties and six businesses were evacuated as a result of the water main break. The Canadian Red Cross is working to support residents who have been displaced.

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The City of Lethbridge said in a news release on March 9, 2023, that the break has been fixed and water service has been restored to a majority of residences and businesses on the block.

According to the city, “The cause of the watermain break has not been determined and work to uncover underground infrastructure was difficult due to freezing temperatures.”

Ice formed as water pooled on 5th Street South following a water main break in downtown Lethbridge on March 7, 2023. (Photo: S.Jones/LNN)

Crews are still working to restore the other utilities and air quality monitoring is ongoing.

The city says it will continue to work with the owner of the evacuated building to determine the next steps. If residents cannot return to the building, additional supports will be provided.

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Crews at the site of the water main break in downtown Lethbridge, March 7, 2023. (Photo: S.Jones/LNN)