Paint or demolish? Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue ponders iconic water tower

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE — It’s been called both an eyesore and an icon.

Now, the West Island town of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue has voted to evaluate the future of its crumbling water tower.

It’s easy to believe demolishing the tower would be the only option — after all, it hasn’t been used to hold water for about 15 years.

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However, there are several factors that make demolishing the tower a dicey proposition.

First, it’s right in the middle of a residential area.

Second, it could contain asbestos, which would be a major hazard to residents living nearby, and third, it sits along Highway 20.

Mayor Paola Hawa said the city estimates just painting the tower could cost $500,000.

The price for demolition would be much higher.

“Our only two options at this point is whether to paint it or demolish it,” she told Global News.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Our only two options at this point is whether to paint it or demolish it," she told Global News.

The water tower is currently being used as a storage shed for road workers.