The old Safeway building in downtown Chilliwack became a pile of rubble on Monday, after the property owner, Sobey’s, agreed to have it demolished after years of it sitting vacant. Mayor Sharon Gaetz says it’s bittersweet to see it come down, because there is a bit of nostalgia there.

“We all remember running into Safeway to pick up our groceries.  I actually worked stocking shelves there, and some of my family members worked there as well.  So yes, it’s a little bit sad but on the other hand, I just cannot contain my happiness that this could be a catalyst for redevelopment in the downtown.”

She says the property is being listed for $3.3 million. The city is hoping it will be a mix of residential and retail space, in accordance with their downtown development plan. The city also bought another block of properties downtown on Yale. Gaetz says the Safeway site will likely be the first to be developed, but that could start a domino effect.