Advertisement

‘It’s heartbreaking’: Evacuation order extended for low-income apartment building in Kelowna

Click to play video: 'UBCO tower construction triggers evacuation'
UBCO tower construction triggers evacuation
Dozens of people are now displaced due to significant safety concerns caused by the construction of UBC Okanagan downtown campus. This is just the latest development since the project started as several other buildings in the area have already been forced to shut down operations due to cracks and movement in the foundation. Taya Fast reports. – Apr 1, 2024

More than 80 residents from a low-income apartment building in Kelowna have learned they won’t be able to return to their homes for at least another two weeks.

Hadgraft Wilson Place was evacuated on Tuesday because of concerns over construction activity at nearby University of British Columbia-Okanagan.

B.C. Housing said recent geotechnical and structural engineering reports showed a shoring wall at the university site is unstable, and a slip “could cause serious structural damage” to the apartment building.

Click to play video: 'University vows to help displaced residents'
University vows to help displaced residents

Pathways Abilities Society, which operates the building, says in a statement that frustrations continue to mount for the residents who were told they would be out for a few days and now that’s been extended for at least two weeks.

Story continues below advertisement

Pathways website says Hadgraft Wilson Place is geared towards people with limited income or disabilities.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Executive director Charisse Daley says the latest news is devastating, putting additional strain on everyone, especially their residents who require very specific supports for their disabilities.

“Now their lives have been turned upside down and they are navigating the stress of not knowing how long it will be before they get to return to their homes,” said Daley.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she added.

Sponsored content

AdChoices