Capri Mall Closes Permanently: A Safety Nightmare Unveiled

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News Summary

The Town of Westlock has closed Capri Mall permanently due to severe safety violations, marking the end of a once-thriving community hub.

Capri Mall Closes Permanently: A Safety Nightmare Unveiled

The long-awaited decision regarding Westlock’s Capri Mall has finally arrived—its doors are permanently closed after non-compliance with critical safety regulations. This decision marks the end of an era for a location that once buzzed with activity but has spiraled into a state of disrepair and neglect.

From Thriving Hub to Abandoned Space

Originally opening its doors in 1972, Capri Mall served as a thriving business center that catered to the community for decades. However, by the late 1990s, it saw a steep decline. Following a foreclosure, Capri Capital Corp. acquired the property in hopes of revitalizing it. Despite these efforts, the mall’s condition only deteriorated, resulting in a mass exodus of tenants over the years, including well-known businesses like Domino’s Pizza and Health Smart Wellness & Massage.

After being closed to the public for nearly two years, the property now rests under the watchful eye of the Town of Westlock, which has taken drastic measures to address an array of public safety concerns.

Safety Violations on the Rise

Recent inspections revealed alarming safety hazards within the mall, including non-operational fire alarms, sprinkler systems that had long fallen out of service, and fire extinguishers that were either unserviced or entirely non-functional. To curb any potential risks to the public, the Town of Westlock issued a closure order on May 11.

Fences now surround what was once a bustling venue, indicating that the property is set for demolition. Before this can happen, significant work is being carried out to remove hazardous materials, specifically asbestos—a known health risk that could pose severe challenges to anyone entering the premises unchecked.

Community Impact and Business Fallout

The closure has wreaked havoc on the local economy, particularly for businesses that were forced to relocate. Notable casualties include Integra Agencies Ltd., Small Town Vapes, Top Shelf Liquor, Westlock Barber Shop, and Your Dollar Store with More. The shockwaves of this sudden closure have left many tenants grappling with the emotional and financial strain that comes with finding new accommodations almost overnight.

In response to these challenges, the Town Council had extended compliance deadlines multiple times, hoping to give owners an opportunity to remedy the violations. However, repeated failures to address the significant issues led to the inevitable consequence of permanent closure.

Public Safety: The Core Reason for Closure

Mayor Ralph Leriger has confirmed that the decision to enforce closure orders stemmed strictly from public safety concerns. The crumbling infrastructure of the mall, which was inadequately maintained over the decades, finally reached a tipping point. The Town of Westlock is prioritizing the well-being of its residents above all else, insisting that safety comes first—even if that means saying goodbye to a long-standing community landmark.

Simone Wiley, the Town of Westlock CAO, also indicated the severity of the conditions necessitating removal steps. The extensive code violations not only endanger the public but reflect a lack of responsibility on the part of the mall’s owners.

As the community bids farewell to Capri Mall, it faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding and finding new outlets for commerce, all while grappling with the lost history of a once-beloved hub. With demolition on the horizon, the future of this corner of Westlock is uncertain, but the overarching narrative is clear: safety must prevail over legacy.