A 112-year-old courthouse in 150 Mile House is set for demolition this fall after decades of stalled efforts to save the historic landmark.
A Landmark’s Last Chapter
In the quiet Cariboo community of 150 Mile House, just south of Williams Lake, a once-proud courthouse is nearing the end of its story. Built more than a century ago, the 112-year-old building has stood through fires, storms, and generations of history. But now, after two decades of dashed hopes and bureaucratic hurdles, it’s set to be demolished this fall.
And for many locals, that reality is heartbreaking.
Residents Watch History Crumble
Longtime residents George Atamanenko and John Hoyrup have been sounding the alarm for years. Each time they pass the structure—now precariously balanced on wooden blocks—they’re reminded of what’s slipping away.
“It’s frustrating,” Hoyrup admitted, gazing at the weathered facade. “We’ve tried to fight for it. But when even your own neighbors argue that saving it isn’t worth the money, you feel stuck. You’d think more people would want to keep a piece of our history.”
Two Decades of Red Tape
This courthouse hasn’t been abandoned for lack of love. Instead, it’s been trapped in a maze of stalled plans, funding shortfalls, and shifting priorities. For over twenty years, community advocates have pitched proposals to restore or repurpose the building. However, each time momentum built, another roadblock appeared.
Local historians point out that heritage projects often face these uphill battles. Grants come with strings attached, and approvals can take years. Meanwhile, time doesn’t stop. Wood rots. Roofs leak. And public interest wanes.
Few Options Left
By now, the building’s structural integrity has weakened beyond repair. Engineers have warned that even temporary stabilization would cost a fortune. Without major intervention, the courthouse poses safety risks—not just for visitors, but for the entire neighborhood.
So, reluctantly, the community is preparing for what seems inevitable: demolition.
Although the final date hasn’t been confirmed, officials expect the teardown to begin this fall. Some residents are still holding onto faint hope that a last-minute solution might emerge. But most agree the odds are slim.
Why It Still Matters
While the building may be on its last legs, the conversation it has sparked isn’t over. Locals are now asking bigger questions: How do we protect heritage sites before they reach the point of no return? How can small communities preserve their past without exhausting their resources?
For Atamanenko and Hoyrup, the courthouse has become a symbol. Not just of what once was—but of how important it is to act before history becomes rubble.
