Evacuated resident unable to collect belongings after UBCO tower debacle
Steven Wolfe had to evacuate his home because of the UBC Okanagan downtown construction project in April, and he still hasn’t been able to collect all of his belongings from his apartment.
Wolfe was a resident of Hadgraft Wilson Place, a subsidized apartment building geared towards people with fixed incomes and disabilities.
Hadgraft Wilson Place was evacuated at the start of April because UBCO’s neighbouring construction project damaged the building and the Kelowna Fire Department determined it is unsafe to live in.
The damage and evacuation is now the subject of two lawsuits brought by the building’s residents, one against the school’s subsidiary in charge of the project, UBC Properties Trust, and another that also includes the City of Kelowna.
Now, after months of moving from hotel to hotel, into Okanagan College’s dorms and out again, Wolfe has finally moved into a new home. The problem is his stuff is still in Hadgraft Wilson Place, including everything from furniture to irreplaceable photographs.
READ MORE: UBCO faces another lawsuit over downtown Kelowna highrise construction
Residents were given an opportunity to collect their things shortly after the evacuation, but Wolfe wasn’t able to get everything.
He was told he would be able to get his belongings on July 1, and after organizing movers he was told he couldn’t actually go back in the building.
Wolfe decided to go buy new furniture since he couldn’t get a straight answer about when he would be able to go in and get his stuff.
“I couldn't let my kids sleep on the floor,” he said. “It's like a nightmare that's never ending. I rented a U-Haul van, and did three trips to Walmart, spent exactly $1,829, and you don't get much crappy furniture for that.”
Wolfe said there are other tenants of Hadgraft Wilson Place in the same situation.
“There was even one person I ran into at Walmart,” he said.
He said one of the most frustrating parts about the situation is the lack of clear communication from officials, and not knowing when he can get his stuff back.
“If I could just get an answer... I wouldn't have to worry as much,” he said.
Kelowna’s deputy fire chief Larry Watkinson said the building is still being assessed to make sure it’s safe for residents to go in and get their stuff, but did not give any kind of timeline.
“We recognize the frustration and inconvenience this situation may cause, but life safety must come first. We appreciate residents' understanding and patience during this time. If there are any further updates, we will communicate them promptly,” Watkinson said in an email.
The lawsuits against UBC Properties Trust are still before the courts, but the company has started repairing Hadgraft Wilson Place and has offered residents $12,000.
READ MORE: UBCO’s engineering report on downtown building came with warnings
The university issued a statement regarding the repairs and payment, but did not directly take responsibility for the evacuation and said these actions will not affect residents’ ability to seek reparations in court.
“The financial package is an interim measure to offer much needed help to affected residents but does not prevent them from advancing claims in the future,” the statement said.
Wolfe said the $12,000 would be part of any future settlements.
“It's not an admission of guilt. It's out of the kindness of their hearts,” he said. “It says if there's any further money down the road, this would be deducted from that amount.”
Meanwhile, there was a sewage backup in Wolfe’s Hadgraft Wilson Place apartment in early May, more than a month after he moved out. Despite the chaos this situation has brought to Wolfe’s life over the last few months, he said he just wants to be able to get his stuff.
“I don't want to complain or blame anybody yet,” he said.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jesse Tomas or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.
