The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees said it is concerned about plans to move staff back into the Melcor Centre, May 4, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge workers condemn plan to move back into “crumbling” Melcor Centre

May 4, 2023 | 3:30 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) said it is disappointed by a decision by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to move employees back into a downtown Lethbridge building.

A memo from AHS’ Capital Management and South Zone Executive Leadership team dated April 24, 2023, states that the Government of Alberta requires AHS to vacate the Lethbridge Provincial Building by spring 2024 in order to accommodate Alberta Infrastructure operational services.

A variety of addiction and mental health programs are currently being run out of the Provincial Building.

The memo from AHS states, “As a result, we will be doing reconfigurations, renovations, and consolidation plans for the Community Health Unit (train station), Melcor Centre, and Chinook Regional Hospital.”

“It was determined that all community and public health programs currently located at both the train station and Melcor Centre be consolidated under one roof at Melcor Centre,” adds AHS. “Community addiction and mental health services (currently located at the Provincial Building) will amalgamate to the train station.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

AUPE Vice-President Darren Graham said this change is concerning because the union has been battling with the province for years to move out of what he calls “the dangerous Melcor building.”

Graham explains that AUPE was assured the government had no plans to renew the lease when it expires in two years.

“Frankly, it’s alarming to see AHS telling staff they plan to consolidate all community and public health programs under Melcor’s crumbling roof,” Graham said. “This isn’t just a matter of slapping some paint on the problem. There are really serious issues like mould, flooding, falling ceiling tiles, broken elevators – the list goes on. AHS needs to look at other, safer options when relocating their staff.”

Graham sounded the alarm last April about flooding and other issues at Melcor Centre offices.

When it became aware of the issues, AHS said it arranged for additional tests for air quality, mould, and volatile organic compounds.

“Samples were taken in 54 locations throughout the AHS leased space and no spore counts exceeded acceptable range,” said AHS.

AHS adds, “In all AHS occupied spaces, there were just two locations that produced any traces of mould. One inside of a mechanical room, and one in a small corner area. Remediation was immediately undertaken to both areas to meet the consultant’s guidelines.”

Remediation work was completed in July 2022, and AHS said additional testing confirmed that the Melcor Centre is once again a safe place to work.

He claims that AUPE was not consulted on the plans to move staff around.

READ MORE: AUPE concerned about flooding, other issues at Melcor Centre offices