UBC Okanagan offers to assess repairs for evacuated subsidized housing building
Global News
UBC Okanagan officials are looking to get into the subsidized housing complex to evaluate stability-threatening cracks found in its foundation.
UBC Okanagan officials are looking to get into a recently evacuated subsidized housing complex to evaluate stability-threatening cracks found in its foundation.
“We have extended an offer and a request through BC Housing to be granted access to Hadgraft Wilson Place as quickly as possible to assess possible repairs,” UBCO spokesperson Nathan Skolski said in an email.
“As this property does not belong to UBC Properties Trust, we are awaiting decisions by BC Housing and their insurance providers to provide any engineering reports or advice that highlight the extent and nature of any needed remediation. Given that these engineering assessments were commissioned by BC Housing and their insurers, we do not have access to them at this time and cannot speak to their findings, if any.”
Cracks can be easily found throughout Hadgraft Wilson Place, and floors and windows have shifted out of place. The building, which neighbours the UBCO excavation site and was home to more than 80 people with varying cognitive and physical limitations, was placed on an evacuation order April 1. Tenants dispersed to local motels, and many have had to move more than once.
It’s been a hardship felt by many and the end date remains unknown.
“Decisions on the conditions necessary for the evacuation order to be rescinded will be made by the City of Kelowna and the Fire Chief,” Skolski said.
“We are actively urging all parties to allow remediation work to begin, if required, as quickly as possible so that residents can return to their homes swiftly and safely.”
UBCO downtown construction site workers have been working to increase the overall depth of the site with the placement of gravel.