The former Kin Hall building in Portage la Prairie's north end will be demolished.

City Council voted unanimously at its meeting Monday to terminate the current lease agreement with Central Plains Alcoholics Anonymous (CPAA) -- a user group which utilizes the space for meetings -- and demolish the building in 2018. The deteriorating structure needs a new roof and furnace, and other maintenance totalling an estimated $165,000 to bring it up to code. The expected cost of demolition is $20,000.

"Council is not in a position to invest that kind of money that old of a building," says Mayor Irvine Ferris. "That location is also part of the parks upgrade plan for the North End, so the decision's (been made) and not lightly, certainly council gave it a lot of thought. We have a user group there who does a lot of good work in our community. We didn't take that lightly."

"But this is something (we) felt had to be done."

According to Mayor Ferris, a spokesperson for CPAA indicated the group did receive one offer from another organization to facilitate a new space for meetings.

It looks like the structure will meet its end next year. Administration's report to council says funds for demolition can be budgeted in 2018. The site is part of the city's north end parks upgrade plan, with the aim of building a new accessible community playground. It's also the preferred spot for a new skate park.

See related story:

"Council Considers Demolition of Former Community Club"