Edmonton shuts down building where security guard was shot, citing 'serious safety concerns'

Two days before Christmas, people hauled their belongings out the doors of a central Edmonton apartment building, piling up suitcases and laundry baskets full of clothes and shoes on the slushy sidewalk.

Building residents say they got the news Friday that they would have to leave — exactly two weeks after 20-year-old Harshandeep Singh was shot and killed while working as a security guard in the apartment building at 10603 107th Avenue.

Citing "serious safety concerns," the City of Edmonton shut the building down on Monday through an emergency order. It forces more than 60 people living in the building, including about 25 children, to relocate.

"Given the timing, this is not a decision that was taken lightly," a city statement says.

Multiple residents said they were given 45 minutes to pack up what they could while two Edmonton transit buses waited along the curb for people to load their things on board.

Janet Heathen and her mom Danette Firingstoney were emotional as they packed up a taxi taking them to a hotel.

"I don't feel safe now, because where are we going to go after the hotel?" Heathen said.

"We have no more home. We have nothing."

In a video statement, City of Edmonton community standards branch manager David Jones said safety issues in the building have escalated after two recent shootings. He said living conditions have also worsened over the past month.

"The building poses an imminent risk to residents, those visiting the building and the public in the immediate area," he said.

Since the Dec. 6 shooting that killed Singh, Jones said the city has received "concerning information" indicating safety and security have not improved.

Further details weren't provided about what that information is. Two people have been charged with first-degree murder in the security guard's death.

Karisa Halkett said she's lived in the building for nearly a year. On Monday, she was outside with her kitten, Scratch, nestled into her jacket.

"My place was always a safe spot for me, where I could lay my head. But after [the shooting], I started, I don't know, having second thoughts," she said.