By Alex Frazer-Harrison
Calgary Mirror News Editor
Wednesday, August 13, 1997.
| The Bow Valley Centre is set for demolition next year, but some
Calgarians may be able to take home a souvenir of the General this fall. The Calgary Regional Health Authority plans to auction off excess fixtures, equipment and furniture from the facility in October, said public affairs advisor Maureen O'Connor. But before you start making space in your rumpus room for that CAT-scan machine you've always wanted, O'Connor said Calgary area hospitals, other regional health authorities, and non-profit health groups will be given first choice of the equipment. "Whatever's left will be put up for auction," she said, adding office furniture and perhaps even doors and windows may be available. As for the bricks that make up the General itself, O'Connor said a decision has yet to be made whether to sell them too. It depends on whether demolition involves the traditional wrecking ball or something more spectacular, such as dynamite detonation. "We're still in the process of tendering (the demolition work) out," she said. The death of the General could help some local charities, who are hopeful the auction could allow them to pick up needed office equipment and furniture inexpensively. For instance, Connection Housing is in the process of constructing a new facility. "We may be very interested in materials (such as) framing and glass," said executive director Suzanna Koczkur, who added it'd be nice to find computer equipment up for auction, though she expects that kind of stuff to be picked up by other hospitals. The Distress Centre/Drug Centre is looking to expand its phone room, and chairs and desks purchased from the General would help, said volunteer program assistant Connie Loveday. Child Find Alberta is in need of bookcases, chairs, filing units, "and a good vacuum cleaner," said executive director Eric Summerfeldt. "(Charities) often take a look at something and find some different use than what (the item) was designed for. You have to be very creative." O'Connor said the time and location for the auction will be advertised closer to the actual date. |
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