Demolishing Vancouver's notorious Balmoral Hotel will take up to a year, city says
CTV
The City of Vancouver has announced the demolition of the Balmoral Hotel on the Downtown Eastside will begin in the coming days.
The City of Vancouver has announced the demolition of the Balmoral Hotel on the Downtown Eastside will begin in the coming days.
In a statement issued Tuesday, staff outlined a three-phase process that is expected to last between 10 months and a year.
However, the timeline for the Balmoral is only tentative at this point.
"Throughout the demolition process, the city will continuously assess the site and building conditions and will adjust the demolition process and timing to account for any unforeseen circumstances, changes or new developments," the statement from the city says.
In addition to the technical complexity of tearing down the building, the city spokesperson says there is an emotional and historical complexity to the building that has to be considered.
"The city also recognizes that the Balmoral, prior to its closure, was a site of harm and trauma to many and that the demolition of this building will have emotional impact for former residents and their families, friends and community," the statement continues.
Therefore, it says, plans will also include outreach to ensure "respectful, healing and culturally appropriate support and ceremony for community through the actual building demolition and redevelopment process."
