Earlier in the week, a building near downtown Kelowna was evacuated due to serious concerns raised by geotechnical and structural engineering reports. The building, known as Hadgraft-Wilson Place, was operated by the non-profit organization Pathways Abilities Society and is home to 80-plus residents on low income, many of whom are on disability. Signs of a shifting foundation, such as massive cracks throughout the complex, raised fears of potential structural damage that could jeopardize life safety systems like fire doors and sprinkler infrastructure. The evacuation was ordered by Kelowna fire chief Dwight Seymour to prevent any potential catastrophic incidents.
The evacuation of the 68-unit affordable complex was prompted by the adjacent construction of UBC Okanagan’s downtown campus, which is believed to have caused the damage to the building. The city, along with Pathways and B.C. Housing, are providing support to the displaced residents. City staff have reached out to the development and real estate community in Kelowna to identify available housing options for the residents. UBC-Okanagan has halted construction on-site while consulting with geotechnical engineers to assess the situation and determine next steps. The university expressed remorse for the situation and is working in conjunction with other stakeholders to find solutions to the structural issues.
Lesley Cormack, principal and deputy vice-chancellor of UBC Okanagan, apologized for the evacuation of the residents and expressed surprise at the extent of soil and substrata movement that led to the structural damage. The university has been monitoring ground movement and has made adjustments to prevent further complications. Plans are being developed in collaboration with Pathways, B.C. Housing, and other parties to address both cosmetic and structural issues with the building. The city is facilitating meetings between registered professionals and stakeholders to assess the damage, develop a stabilization plan, and ensure the safety of the building’s occupants.
Lance Kayfish, the city’s risk manager, stated that daily and hourly meetings are being held to coordinate efforts to assess the building’s damage and develop a plan for re-occupation. Although the building will require some work to stabilize and ensure its safety, there is a belief that it will be able to be re-occupied in the future. A shoring and bracing plan is currently being worked on to stabilize the building before residents can return. The city is serving as a convener to bring together all parties involved in the situation and ensure a coordinated response to the building’s structural issues.
Overall, the evacuation of Hadgraft-Wilson Place in Kelowna highlights the importance of proactive measures in response to potential structural risks faced by residential buildings. The collaboration between government entities, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents affected by such incidents. By working together to assess the damage, develop stabilization plans, and provide necessary support to the displaced residents, the stakeholders involved are taking steps to address the immediate concerns and ensure a sustainable solution for the future re-occupation of the building.
