The end has come for Macaulay Lodge, once the only long-term care home in Whitehorse.

The lodge, which opened in Riverdale in 1969, will be demolished next year, the Yukon government confirmed Friday.

A 2020 building assessment has determined that renovating or repurposing it would not be economical due to its poor condition.

“Macaulay Lodge is a top priority for demolition because of the cost of maintaining the building, its energy use and the value of the land,” the government said in a statement.

“Demolishing the building will help determine if the site has any contamination that will require remediation before it can be repurposed.

“The site is well-positioned for housing development and the Government of Yukon will engage with the community, stakeholders and the City of Whitehorse about future development options.”

The building was closed in February 2019, and has stood empty since.

All its residents were moved to Whistle Bend Place or to another long-term care home of their choice.

“Macaulay Lodge was home for many Yukoners since opening in 1969 and served our community well,” said Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke.

“We recognize many Yukoners have fond memories of loved ones who lived at Macaulay Lodge. We look forward to working with the community and stakeholders on the future development of this property.”

Tearing down the building will eliminate 136 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions annually, the government said.

It’s working through a phased approach to ensure sufficient time for remediation, zoning requirements and public consultation.

Richard Mostyn, Clarke’s predecessor, notified the legislature in October 2020 that Macaulay Lodge could not be repurposed.

“Upgrades required to critical envelope and safety systems make the option of repurposing cost-prohibitive,” Mostyn said at that time.

“At this time, it’s too expensive to fix to use again.”

Hazardous materials are evident throughout the facility, he added.

Repurposing the building would have required hazmat removal and structural upgrades, Mostyn said then.

At that time, Yukon Party MLA Geraldine Van Bibber suggested the land should be sold to private developers and turned into residential housing.

“As we are well aware, all types of land are scarce in Whitehorse right now,” Van Bibber told the house.