Evacuation of Kelowna, B.C., apartment near construction site extended for 2 weeks

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

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

The construction site is the location for UBCO's $263-million Downtown Kelowna project, which began in November 2023.

Spanning an entire city block, it is set to house a 43-storey highrise and a four-level underground parkade. It's required the largest excavation carried out in downtown Kelowna to date.

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.

Pathways Abilities Society, which operates the building, said in a statement that frustrations continue to mount for the residents who were told they'd be out of their homes for at least two weeks, after originally being told they would be out for a few days. 

Hadgraft Wilson Place is geared toward people with limited income or disabilities, according to the Pathways website.

Executive director Charisse Daley said 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.

According to the City of Kelowna, the shifting ground has also caused damage to buildings nearby, including the Okanagan coLab and the Kelowna Royal Canadian Legion Branch.

UBC suspends construction

David Cowan, a resident of Hadgraft Wilson Place, had earlier told CBC News the uncertainty and displacement has been affecting residents' mental health.

He said many tenants, like himself, are on disability assistance and live "paycheque to paycheque" with limited alternative housing options in downtown Kelowna. 

"It's definitely a little frustrating, especially because there's something so hopeful and encouraging for having low-cost housing for individuals with disabilities," said Cowan.

"People like us are vulnerable to having elevated stress levels when stuff like this happens ... I don't think we'll be displaced but it may be longer than we expect when we can move back."

 UBC announced on its website that construction has been suspended until further notice. 

It said the university and its project manager, UBC Properties Trust, will consult engineering reports and the city to determine next steps.