Historic post office could shutdown in the wake of Canada Post changes

It’s been the centre of Lethbridge’s downtown core for over 100 years and home to Canada Post for a century.

“The Federal government wanted to show off how grand and important the government was so the building has limestone from Manitoba and it has marble floors. It was designed so it could have a beautiful panoramic view for Lethbridge.” Says Belinda Crowson a Historical Educator.

The historical Federal building has become the centre piece of Lethbridge and is known for its giant clock.

“They put the clock in but not the glass and it almost killed somebody when a windstorm hit and one of the hands came flying down,” said Crowson.

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In 1972 the federal government threatened to shut down the building, but Southern Albertans fought to keep it open. Now time could be running out for one of Lethbridge’s most recognizable buildings. There is fear the iconic and historical downtown post office could shut it’s doors as Canada Post continues to shut down small offices across the country

In December Canada Post announced it will be phasing out door to door delivery and moving towards community mail boxes and to top it off an increase in the price of stamps. Canada post has also boarded up many small post offices across the country leaving some to wonder if Lethbridge will be on that list.

“We are traditionalists and we like having the mail man come to your house. We have a big postal office in our downtown community, but we also have to realize the economy is changing,” says Ryan Parker. “ I am concerned about the loss of jobs yes, but do I believe the post office will actually shut down I don’t think that will occur.”

But one postal worker we talked to who didn’t want to appear on camera says in his 33 years with Canada Post says for the first time ever he believes the building and his job are threatened.

Canada Post did give this statement saying “We continue to adapt our network to fit foot traffic and meet the needs of customers. Our action plan announced in December talks about expanding our network through the franchise model, which has worked well.”

At this point Canada Post has no plans to shut down the location in downtown Lethbridge, but all the changes will be phased in over the next 5 years.