Prince Albert Salvation Army building undergoes demolition as fire investigation continues

Demolition is underway at the former Prince Albert Salvation Army building which was lost to a fire five months ago.

Due to the ongoing arson investigation, the Prince Albert Salvation Army says police are consulting on its building’s demolition process, which began Thursday morning.

“To see it in rubble, it’s not easy,” said Salvation Army Major Ed Dean. “But I have hope for what’s going forward. I know that we will be here in our community.”

Following a Christmas Day fire that destroyed its original building, the Salvation Army has spent months working to continue services for those in need, with much community support.

A total of $280,000 has been raised so far and goes toward meals and operational costs.

The Salvation Army serves 700 meals each week, but not all services can be delivered in the current setup at the temporary location.

“There is some difference in it because we had a shower and laundry program that we were able to offer, and in our new current location, we’re not able to do that,” said Dean. “The building is not set up for those provisions.”

The Salvation Army will continue renting the temporary 8th Street East location until October, but beyond that, nothing has been determined.

“The vulnerable people of our city are not going away,” said Dean. “They were there before the incident, and they will be there with us wherever we are. We moved one block and guess what? They found where we are. Which is wonderful because that it’s continuity of service.”

The Salvation Army says its overnight warming centre saw 5,000 visitors this winter before it closed in early April.

While nothing is set in stone, Dean said that multiple departments within the Salvation Army are working on a plan for a permanent solution.