Signs of progress toward a major downtown revitalization in Trail emerged on Friday (Feb. 28) as the city issued two requests for quotations to demolish the former Liquidation World building and the old CS Williams Clinic.
The Liquidation World building, located at 900 Spokane Street, was donated to the city last August in exchange for a $389,000 tax receipt.
The CS Williams Clinic, at 901 Helena Street, was acquired by the city eight years ago for $9,200 — the total of unpaid property taxes from 2013 to 2015.
The city plans to fund the demolition using part of the $3 million provincial Growing Communities Fund grant received in 2023.
However, since grants typically do not cover building teardowns, a key question remains: How much will Trail taxpayers be responsible for?
That figure will be revealed next week when the city council reviews its capital budget.
“We will have the budget presented at the next council meeting,” city spokesperson Claire Samulak told the Trail Times.
“The demolition numbers have been considered and are accounted for in the capital budget planning.”
Samulak also noted the city anticipates competitive bids for the demolitions.
“While the lowest tender will not necessarily be accepted, the price is weighted the most in the evaluation criteria.”
The project timeline will be determined once a contractor is selected, with the full capital budget expected to go before the council for approval on March 10.
According to the city’s 2025 budget overview, acquiring 900 Spokane Street last year marked the first step in a larger plan to revitalize downtown Trail.
Demolishing both buildings will pave the way for discussions on future development at these key locations.
The city’s renewed Official Community Plan and the introduction of a new zoning bylaw will help shape potential projects, whether residential, commercial, or a mix of both.
The city said community engagement will play a crucial role in these decisions, particularly regarding building heights and downtown redevelopment opportunities.
Additionally, a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design study, overseen by the Downtown Trail Improvement Committee, is underway to inform planning efforts.
The Liquidation World building has long been a visible fixture in Trail’s core.
Originally constructed in 1916 for the Trail Mercantile Co. Ltd., the site underwent multiple transformations, including its stint as Eaton’s in 1954, its conversion to Towne Square Mall in 1982, and its rebranding as Liquidation World in the 2000s.
Additionally, the main public transit exchange is located on the Cedar Avenue side of the structure.
The building also housed two popular gyms for years, both of which were forced to vacate for demolition planning.
Pride Gym relocated last fall, while Performance Fitness was unable to find a new space that could accommodate its membership and equipment needs.
At the other end of the block stands the long-vacant CS Williams Clinic.
The city took ownership of the deteriorating property in 2017 after a four-year legal battle over delinquent taxes.
