The City of Calgary completes Ogden Legion demolition

The City of Calgary has completed demolition of the former Ogden Legion building, marking a major milestone in addressing long‑standing safety concerns tied to this property.

Various agencies worked together to support the safe execution of the demolition. “This was a massive undertaking and a coordinated effort across City teams, Calgary Police Service, and Calgary Fire Department,” said Chief Ryan Pleckaitis, Chief of Community Safety. “Removing this long‑standing problem property supports a safer community and eliminates persistent risks for residents and first responders.”

History

Once an active community hub and veterans’ gathering place, the Ogden Legion had been vacant for years and had become a significant problem property. The building experienced repeated break‑ins, fires, unsafe structural deterioration, and ongoing criminal activity, resulting in frequent emergency response and escalating risk to both the public and first responders.

Since 2022, CPS and CFD responded to 118 calls for service and eight fire incidents at this property, reflecting risks to the public and a significant and ongoing demand on emergency resources. Calls for service have stopped entirely since the building demolition in December 2025.

Due to the serious and persistent hazards, The City issued a demolition order under the Municipal Government Act. The Owner was ordered to address the unsafe conditions; after appeals were exhausted and non‑compliance persisted, The City proceeded with demolition.

What is a problem property?

Problem properties—vacant, derelict, or repeatedly unsafe sites—create ongoing safety and social challenges in neighbourhoods, including fires, crime, trespassing, and strain on emergency resources. Addressing these sites is a key part of The City’s work to improve community safety and reduce chronic risk.

What’s next for the Ogden Legion property?

With the demolition now complete, the site has been cleaned up and returned to the property owner. When The City takes action through a Municipal Government Act Order, all costs associated with demolition or remediation are recovered by adding the costs to the property’s tax roll. The property owner bears full responsibility for these costs. The City can recover outstanding property taxes through receivership or public auction if property taxes remain unpaid over time.

There is no requirement under the Municipal Government Act Order for the property owner to redevelop the land. The property owner retains responsibility for selling or redeveloping the property and all associated approvals under Calgary’s planning and permitting processes.