Calgary Completes Demolition of Former Ogden Legion Building
The City of Calgary has officially concluded the demolition of the former Ogden branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, marking the end of a long-standing effort to address what officials described as a persistent community safety hazard. The 44-year-old building, which had become a magnet for fire activity, vandalism, and criminal behavior, was finally removed after years of deterioration and non-compliance by the property owner.
Safety Concerns Prompted Action
According to city officials, the demolition process began in December 2025 and has now been completed, with the site cleaned and returned to its owner. Ryan Pleckaitis, chief of community safety, emphasized the coordinated effort involved in removing what he called a "long-standing problem property."
"This was a massive undertaking and a coordinated effort across city teams, Calgary Police Service, and Calgary Fire Department," Pleckaitis stated in a city news release. "Removing this long-standing problem property supports a safer community and eliminates persistent risks for residents and first responders."
The city first issued a demolition order for the building in November 2023, but the property owner appealed through the License and Community Standards Appeal Board. After appeals were exhausted and the owner failed to address unsafe conditions, the city proceeded with demolition.
From Community Hub to Derelict Property
The building, located on Ogden Road near 78th Avenue S.E., served as the Royal Canadian Legion's Branch No. 154 from 1982 onward. During its prime, it was a vibrant community hub that boasted approximately 4,000 members and hosted various events, including professional wrestling matches and curling activities in its upper-floor rink.
However, after the Legion closed and the property was sold in 2012, membership had dwindled to fewer than 400. The site remained vacant for over a dozen years, leading to significant deterioration and becoming a source of community concern.
Persistent Safety Issues
From 2022 until demolition began in late 2025, emergency services responded to eight fire incidents and 118 calls for service at the property. The building had become notorious for attracting squatters, vandalism, and criminal activity, creating what community members described as an "eyesore" that brought disorder to the neighborhood.
Zev Klymochko, president of the Millican Ogden Community Association, expressed relief at the building's removal. "It was such an eyesore and was bringing disorder to the community and ultimately culminated in a pretty serious fire in October," he said.
Mixed Emotions in the Community
While most residents welcomed the demolition due to safety concerns, there was also recognition of the building's historical significance. Klymochko noted that although he wasn't old enough to experience the Ogden Legion in its prime, he understood its importance as a community amenity that once attracted people from across Calgary.
"It was once a really proud building and, of course, was associated with the military and veterans," Klymochko reflected. "So it was really unfortunate to see the way it was allowed to deteriorate because it felt like a slap in the face to the people who built it up."
The completion of the demolition represents a significant milestone for the Ogden community, eliminating what had become a persistent safety hazard while closing a chapter on a building that once served as an important community gathering place.
