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One year ago, the lives of 84 residents at Hadgraft Wilson Place in Kelowna were turned upside down. The sudden evacuation, prompted by alarming structural issues, left many grappling with uncertainty about their future living arrangements. Megan Beckmann, a resident who experienced this upheaval firsthand, vividly remembers the emotional moment when the evacuation news was delivered.
“I watched as the room burst into tears. It was a very hard watch,” she shared, capturing the despair felt by many.
Ground shifting and construction concerns
The evacuation stemmed from serious concerns regarding ground shifting and cracks in the building’s foundation, issues that residents believe were exacerbated by construction activities at the nearby UBC Okanagan downtown campus.
Beckmann expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and communication from the responsible parties. “That began the journey to frequent moving and hardships, financial hardships, and here we are a year later with very little information and answers,” she lamented.
Legal battles and community efforts
In February, UBC Properties Trust responded to a civil claim filed by the residents, denying all allegations of negligence and harm. This legal back-and-forth has only added to the residents’ anxiety. However, hope emerged when a six-person task force was formed, comprising representatives from the City of Kelowna, UBC Properties Trust, and Pathways Abilities Society.
Alan Clay, executive director of Pathways, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The objective really is to plan a path forward, what does it look like? Nothing is off the table in terms of what we’re looking at.” While this initiative is a step in the right direction, Beckmann feels it should have been initiated much earlier.
The future of Hadgraft Wilson Place
Hadgraft Wilson Place has long served as a vital source of subsidized housing for a diverse community. Yet, as the year mark approaches, many residents remain in limbo, unsure of when or if they will be able to return to their homes.
Clay acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “It’s too early to tell, certainly that’s one of the options. Everything is being looked at and assessed, and hopefully in the coming weeks, we’ll have something to share.” The residents’ resilience shines through their struggles, as they continue to advocate for their rights and seek clarity on their future.
