Work to demolish the historic hose tower in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, in Montreal’s West Island, began Wednesday.
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The scaffolding is up and workers are on site to prepare to tear down what some consider a piece of history.
The hose tower, which sits above city hall, has been part of the West Island city since 1936.
READ MORE: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue hose tower faces demolition
Despite mayor Paola Hawa‘s best attempts to preserve it, council voted to have it removed, costing the city $108,000 – almost double the original estimate of $57,000.
“We can be proud of ourselves that we did what we could,” Hawa told Global News.
“I mean, it’s clear from where you are, it says Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. You see it from the bridge, you see it from the water, you see if from the street. It’s part of our history.”
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The demolition price is also more than what it would have cost for the city to preserve and maintain the 80-year-old concrete structure.
Watch below: City votes to tear down historic Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue hose tower
Resident Terence Shaw is still trying to save the tower, insisting he is willing to commit $10,000 to maintain it.
“I still have a glimmer of hope until the last brick is gone,” he told Global News.
For decades, the tower was used to dry out leather fire hoses following a blaze; old horns and whistles used to signal danger are now frozen in time as the structure has been out of service for years.
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Many call it a big loss for the city, often considered to be rich in heritage and community spirit.
“It’s always been there and now they’re going to take it down,” said resident and business owner Philippe D’Aoust.
READ MORE: Historic West Island landmark can still be saved: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue mayor
It is expected to take one week to remove the hose tower.