The building near downtown Kelowna that was evacuated earlier in the week due to concerns of structural damage and safety risks is now sitting empty and fenced off. The evacuation was ordered by Kelowna fire chief Dwight Seymour after geotechnical and structural engineering reports raised serious concerns about potential structural damage that could impede life safety. The building, known as Hadgraft-Wilson Place, operated by the non-profit organization Pathways Abilities Society, showed signs of a shifting foundation, including massive cracks throughout the complex. The damage is being attributed to the adjacent construction of UBC Okanagan’s downtown campus, prompting a coordinated evacuation to ensure the safety of the residents.
The 68-unit affordable housing complex, home to over 80 residents on low incomes and disability benefits, was completed only nine months ago. While Pathways and B.C. Housing are providing support to the evacuated residents, the city of Kelowna is also stepping in to assist. City staff have reached out to contacts in the development and real estate community to identify available housing options for the residents in case longer-term support is needed. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with Emergency Management and Climate Resiliency B.C. to explore other support options. UBC-Okanagan, which halted construction on-site to consult with geotechnical engineers, expressed regret for the situation and is working with stakeholders to find solutions to address the damage and ensure the safety of the building.
Lesley Cormack, principal and deputy vice-chancellor of UBC Okanagan, expressed apologies for the evacuation of the residents and stated that they did not anticipate the level of movement in the soil and substrata that occurred. The university has been monitoring ground movement regularly and has made adjustments to prevent further issues. They are actively engaging with Pathways and B.C. Housing to assess and address both cosmetic and structural problems in the building. The city is facilitating meetings between registered professionals and stakeholders to assess the extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairing and potentially reoccupying the building. While updates are expected to be provided to Pathways and the residents on Friday, the city believes that the building can be safely reoccupied after necessary stabilization work.
Overall, the situation involving the evacuated building near downtown Kelowna is being closely monitored and managed by various organizations and authorities. The evacuation was necessary to ensure the safety of the residents in the face of potential structural damage caused by adjacent construction activity. Efforts are underway to assess the damage, develop plans for stabilization and repairs, and coordinate support for the affected residents. The involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the city, Pathways Abilities Society, B.C. Housing, and UBC Okanagan, demonstrates a commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring the well-being of those impacted by the evacuation. Plans are being made to address the damage and concerns raised, with a focus on returning residents to a safe and stable environment as soon as possible.
