Despite the fact the decision was made by the last town council, the issue of when or if to tear down High River's water tower is still stirring debate.

High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass took to Facebook this week explaining the real costs of fixing and maintaining the over 100 year old structure.

Snodgrass says with a $2.5 million dollar renovation cost and another $50,000 a year in maintenance, where's the benefit?

"What are we really going to get out of an old water tower standing there. There's no public access to it. To build it into a look-out tower or something like that would be double the number now to make it accessible to the public right? So, I'd rather just see the thing come down and enhance the park."

Snodgrass says just because something is old doesn't mean it holds historical value.

The Mayor says those who want it saved need to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

"If there's massive interest and you can come up with the funds so it doesn't all lie with the High River taxpayer to save it. And there's significant community interest and we can do something, but let's see if that interest is actually real first. Rather than just click "like" on a Facebook page."

Snodgrass says unless an individual or group come through with one heck of a plan to fix and maintain the tower without using public money, it'll be demolished at some point in the future.

Here's Snogdrass's entire post on the water tower from Facebook:

Water Tower UPDATE:

Existing Conditions
• Water tower was likely constructed in approximately 1913 and taken out of service around 1990
• Very little maintenance has been done since 1990 and has deteriorated (peeling paint, rust, cracking around the diagonal tie-down anchors)
• Lead based paint poses a potential hazard in the form of lead fumes and dust
• The tower has a slight tilt towards the west most likely due to settling of the foundation.
• Wooden roof structure requires major repair or reconstruction
o Badly weathered and missing roof shingles
o Exposed and unprotected wood framing and sheathing

Option 1 - Restore & convert the water tower into a landmark feature
• Estimated capital cost well in excess of $2.5 Million
o Stabilize foundation, seal all leaks, repair deteriorated concrete, reconstruct the roof, repair or replace the exterior access ladder, clean and sanitize the inside to remove rust, dead birds, debris & any hazardous material, remove lead paint & repaint with rust inhibitor (requires specialized contractor), remove or reconstruct the fence, repair landscaping.
• Would require an on-going commitment of approximately $50,000/year for maintenance
o Periodic inspections, cleaning, repainting every few years & general repairs.

Option 2 – Demolish and remove from site
• Estimated cost of $350,000 (not including any soil remediation or landscaping)
o Requires specialized contractor (lead paint, possible toxic debris/water)
o Steel sections could be shipped to salvage or foundries for recycling
o Concrete base could be cut below grade & covered with topsoil or base could be left in place as a historic site and a small monument could be built

So there is the information I promised. We would all love to keep some of these landmarks but the cost to save and maintain is extremely high. Especially following the flood we are all emotional to losing anything more. Personally, I'd love to see a much larger park for the kids built on this site, there isn't much of a park in this area.

As always these are community decisions but the previous Council's motion stands at this time to demolish the tower. If there is a group put together that wishes to save it and raise the funds necessary, then we are open to revisiting this if the community support is there. Please share your thoughts.