Demolition of a 1950s building on the Riverview Hospital grounds in Coquitlam is now underway.
The former hospital is being razed by BC Housing, the agency responsible for the 244 acres, to make way for two new buildings to replace three mental healthcare facilities in Burnaby.
A BC Housing spokesperson said the hard demolition started Aug. 31 and the materials removal "is expected to take some time."
The project falls under the purview of B.C.'s ministry of technology, innovation and citizens' services.
The teardown comes as the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society marks the 23rd annual Treefest at Riverview on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It is also set against the backdrop of the next phase for Riverview, which involves a massive redevelopment of the site by BC Housing and the city of Coquitlam.
As well, there is an outstanding claim against the Riverview lands from the Kwikwetlem First Nation.
