James Hadgraft and other tenants of Hadgraft Wilson Place in Kelowna, B.C., are facing an evacuation order issued by the City of Kelowna due to cracks in the building’s foundation. The building provides safe rental options for people with limited incomes and various challenges, both cognitive and physical. It also offers wheelchair-accessible units and a sense of inclusion that many residents had struggled to find before moving in. Despite the tangible issues with the building, residents like James Hadgraft and Stan Biggs are more concerned about the intangible impact of being displaced from their home.
The evacuation is the result of unstable soil at the adjacent construction site of UBC-Okanagan’s downtown tower, which has led to concerns of serious structural damage to the neighboring apartment building. UBC Okanagan has halted work on-site to consult with geotechnical engineers before moving forward. BC Housing has also offered accommodation options for tenants who need to temporarily relocate to a hotel. However, the University and other involved parties are actively seeking solutions to the issues with the building and working to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.
Natasha Chance, a resident of Hadgraft Wilson Place with FASD and autism, found a sense of community in the building after facing homelessness for five years. The news of the evacuation brought devastation to her and other residents who have come to call the building home. Many residents are uncertain about what the future holds and fear that the process of addressing the structural damage will not be a quick fix. Despite the challenges they are facing, the community is coming together to provide support and care for one another during this difficult time.
Stan Biggs, a friend of James Hadgraft, emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community to support and care for residents like James who are facing displacement. He hopes that the response to the evacuation will be one of care and compassion rather than criticism towards UBC, the city, or the engineers involved. The community has been encouraged by gestures of support, such as a call from Metro Church to gather people for communication and connection. The focus is on providing assistance to residents who are facing uncertainty and challenges as a result of the evacuation.
Lesley Cormack, principal and deputy vice-chancellor of UBC Okanagan, expresses regret for the situation that led to the evacuation of the residents and ensures that the university is taking steps to address the issues with the construction site. UBC Okanagan has been working with Pathways Abilities Society, which operates the building, and BC Housing to find solutions and support for the residents. While there are still uncertainties about the timeline for repairs and the duration of the displacement, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and well-being of the tenants.
Overall, the evacuation of Hadgraft Wilson Place in Kelowna highlights the challenges faced by residents who are forced to leave their homes due to structural issues. The community spirit and resilience shown by the tenants, along with the support from organizations and individuals, demonstrate the importance of coming together in times of crisis. As efforts continue to address the problems with the building and provide alternative accommodations for the residents, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the evacuation.
