80-year-old Manitoba grain elevator demolished

The grain elevator in Libau, Man., came toppling down Monday.

An 80-year-old grain elevator in a small Manitoba community is coming down.

On Monday, CTV News confirmed the demolition of the grain elevator in Libau, Man., which is owned by a Hutterite community called the Greenwald Colony.

According to Jason Hofer, who is part of the colony, the choice was made to dismantle the structure due to safety concerns. He explained the elevator is in poor condition, with rotting walls that would be costly to repair.

Hofer noted the colony has managed to salvage many items and will continue to save what they can. He added they also plan to recycle the metals and find a new home for the timbers.

“We have not made a decision yet as to what we will be doing with this location,” he said in a statement.

“At this point we are focused on dismantling and cleaning up the site for the safety of the community.”

CTV News previously reported that the grain elevator has stood in Libau since 1946.

• With files from CTV’s Katherine Dow