Province renews emergency order for crane removal in Halifax

The Nova Scotia government renewed on Wednesday the localized state of emergency in the area surrounding a crane that collapsed during hurricane Dorian in early September.

The province says this is to ensure the safety of those in the area as work continues to remove the crane at a building on South Park Street in Halifax.

The state of emergency was set to expire on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., but it has now been extended for another 14 days.

READ MORE: N.S. government hires 2 companies to help remove collapsed construction crane

It was originally implemented to speed things up and allow the province to take on liability for any damage caused during the removal process.

The localized emergency area is defined as the city block within the boundaries of Cathedral Lane, Brenton Street, Brenton Place and Spring Garden Road. An evacuation order for some tenants was issued by Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services.

According to the province’s Emergency Management Office, the renewed state of emergency remains in effect for 14 days unless the government terminates or extends it.

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WATCH: Evacuees left in the dark after Halifax crane collapse

1:59 Evacuees left in the dark after Halifax crane collapse

For now, the upper portion of the crane has been secured, and crews are now focusing on securing the portion of the crane that is laying over the side of the building.

Once that work is complete, engineers will reassess the situation before determining how to best remove the crane, though officials have previously said removal will likely start with the tower portion of the crane.

Officials say this is a complex project and estimated timelines will be revised as the work progresses.

READ MORE: ‘There’s still a lot of danger ‘ — Evacuation order issued for homes near collapsed Halifax crane

They also haven’t given any indication on when the entire project would be completed.

The director of media relations for the province, Tina D. Thibeau says the government has been in communication with residents and businesses affected by the crane incident since Sept. 18 when government first declared the localized state of emergency.

“That day, government staff visited the site to hand deliver the declaration document and news release. Regular emails, seven to date, have been sent to a group email list that includes the Trillium condo association, business owners and individuals who live in the buildings in the affected area,” said D. Thibeau.

“We have taken direct phone calls and responded to individual questions and concerns, including the mail delivery. We also have talked directly with the Spring Garden Road Business Association, the local councillor, HRM and have facilitated contacts with the MLA,” she added.