The UBC-Okanagan tower construction project in downtown Kelowna, B.C., has been blamed for causing structural damage and displacing dozens of people. The UBC Properties Trust, responsible for the project, has responded to a civil claim holding them accountable for the damages. Residents of the Hadgraft-Wilson Place, where cracks began to appear in March 2024, were shocked by the lack of accountability shown in the response. The UBC Defendants admit some damage but deny the extent and nature of the damages alleged, shifting blame to the contractors they had hired for the excavation and construction work. This lack of responsibility has left residents frustrated and disappointed.
The UBC defendants stated in their response that they relied on the professionals and contractors they had hired to complete the excavation and construction activities safely. They further denied that any neighboring buildings suffered damage as alleged. This response comes months after affected residents filed a lawsuit claiming financial hardship and personal injuries such as anxiety, stress, and depression. The residents feel that the UBC Properties Trust should take responsibility for the damages caused by their construction project and not shift the blame onto their contractors.
UBC Properties Trust did offer $12,000 per unit to help displaced tenants secure new housing. However, this amount was quickly depleted by moving costs, rent, and other expenses, leaving some residents still struggling to find permanent housing almost a year after being forced out. Some residents are currently staying in shelters or facing difficulties finding accessible housing. March 31 marks one year since the building was deemed unsafe to occupy, and residents continue to be uncertain about when they will be able to return home to Hadgraft-Wilson Place.
The response from the UBC defendants has left residents feeling frustrated and heartbroken. They miss their former homes and the comfort and familiarity they provided. The lack of accountability and support from UBC Properties Trust has added to the stress and difficulty faced by the displaced residents. The residents are seeking answers and solutions to their housing situation, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to return to their homes and regain a sense of normalcy. The ongoing legal battle and the dispute over responsibility for the damages have created a challenging and uncertain situation for all involved. The residents are determined to continue seeking justice and a resolution to the issues caused by the construction project.
