Nearly two years after its closure, the former Capri Mall in Westlock is showing signs of new activity — and possible future demolition.
The building, located at the corner of 100 Street and 104 Avenue, has remained vacant since September 2023, when it was permanently shut down after the owners failed to comply with safety regulations issued by the Town of Westlock. The closure followed a May 2023 inspection that identified multiple building, electrical, and fire code violations. At the time, the mall was declared a “potential risk to the public,” and a 15-day closure order was issued.
Owned by Calgary-based Capri Capital Corp., the property had been home to several local businesses, including Integra Agencies Ltd., Small Town Vapes, Top Shelf Liquor, Westlock Barber Shop, and Your Dollar Store with More. Those tenants were given notice to vacate and find alternative locations ahead of the shutdown.
Since the closure, the mall has stood empty until recently, when fencing was installed around the site. Town of Westlock Chief Administrative Officer Simone Wiley confirmed that asbestos removal is currently underway at the building.
While Wiley could not speak to the long-term future of the property, she said the abatement work is a strong sign of progress.
“The putting up of the fences is a good indication that the owners are taking steps toward demolition, because asbestos removal means you’re doing pre-demo things,” Wiley said earlier this week.
The current work marks the first significant development at the site in nearly two years and suggests that the mall — once a central commercial hub — may soon be coming down.
