Neon sign on Vancouver's Balmoral Hotel removed due to safety risk
The neon sign that hung outside of Vancouver's Balmoral Hotel was removed Sunday but plans to demolish the building itself are still being sorted out, according to the City of Vancouver.
Announcing the plan Friday, a spokesperson for the city said the sign's condition has deteriorated to the point where it poses a "risk of injury to the public."
People were warned to expect minor traffic delays and sidewalk closures along East Hastings Street between Main and Columbia while crews were working.
The building has been empty since 2017, when it was condemned as unsafe for the 150 people who lived there following years of enforcement and legal action by the city due to its derelict conditions and persistent health and safety hazards. It was owned by the Sahota family, landlords infamous for the dangerous state of neglect in their buildings, particularly those housing the most vulnerable tenants.
In 2020, it was expropriated by the city and its demolition was announced earlier this year.
"The decades of underinvestment and mismanagement by the building’s previous owners was irreversible," a statement from the city in February said.
"It became clear that the building has deteriorated to the point that it poses a danger to the public and adjacent buildings."
However, the announcement that the sign is being removed does not contain any further details on the demolition process.
"Staff are continuing to monitor the building’s condition as they plan for the demolition, including hazardous materials abatement and civil site work. Given the age, complexity, and condition of the building, removing the building will take several months to complete," the statement says.
In addition to the technical complexity of tearing down the building, the city spokesperson says the building there is an emotional and historical complexity that has to be considered.
"The city also recognizes that the Balmoral, prior to its closure, was a site of harm and trauma to many and that the demolition of this building will have emotional impact for former residents and their families, friends and community," the statement continues.
Therefore, it says, plans will also include outreach and planning to ensure "respectful, healing and culturally appropriate support and ceremony for community through the actual building demolition and redevelopment process."
The city has promised the site will be redeveloped with affordable housing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.