Residents of the Hadgraft Wilson Place, a subsidized housing complex in downtown Kelowna, are being evacuated due to safety concerns arising from the construction of a new 43-storey UBC Okanagan tower across the street. The complex, housing 68 units, has initiated a three-day planned evacuation after third-party geotechnical and structural engineers identified risks associated with the construction nearby. Fire chief Dwight Seymour stated that recent assessments indicated significant risk to the building and its occupants, prompting the need for evacuation to ensure safety. The shifting in the building may compromise safety features during emergencies, posing additional risks to occupants and first responders.
A meeting was held on Sunday to inform residents of the evacuation process, with support from the City of Kelowna, Pathways Abilities Society, and BC Housing to assist residents throughout the process. Charisse Daley, executive director of Pathways Abilities Society, emphasized the commitment to ensuring tenants receive the necessary support during this challenging time. Pathways will work with each tenant to assess their needs and provide resources and accommodations as required. Construction work at the UBC Okanagan site has been voluntarily paused by UBCO, and engineers will continue monitoring the structure and soil movement closely to address safety concerns.
The construction-related problems have been ongoing since last fall when cracks in the foundations of buildings near the university development were discovered. As a result, nearby businesses and buildings have had to temporarily close as a precautionary measure. The decision to evacuate Hadgraft Wilson Place is driven by the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents in light of the potential risks posed by the nearby construction. The complex’s proximity to the UBC Okanagan tower site has raised concerns about the impact of the ongoing construction activity on the structural integrity of the building and the safety of its occupants.
The evacuation process is expected to span over several days, with assistance and support provided to residents to ensure a smooth transition to alternative accommodations. The City of Kelowna, Pathways Abilities Society, and BC Housing are working in collaboration to facilitate the evacuation and address the needs of residents during this challenging period. The decision to evacuate Hadgraft Wilson Place underscores the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with construction projects and safeguard the safety of individuals living in neighboring properties. The involvement of third-party experts and ongoing monitoring of the situation reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the safety concerns raised by the construction activities near the housing complex.
The temporary halt in construction work by UBCO demonstrates a willingness to prioritize safety and address the potential impact of the construction on surrounding properties. Continued monitoring and assessments by engineers will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate risks and ensure the stability of the UBC Okanagan tower site. The coordinated efforts of various organizations involved in supporting residents during the evacuation process highlight the importance of community collaboration and assistance in times of need. By providing guidance, resources, and accommodations to affected residents, the City of Kelowna, Pathways Abilities Society, and BC Housing are working to ensure that the evacuation and transition process is managed effectively and with the well-being of residents as the top priority.
