Suspected earthquake damage subject of claim
Strata council president Joy Vangen is one of approximately 60 residents of Park Place that must vacate the building this summer.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Some of people’s worst fears in Park Place have been realized as they must vacate their homes this summer.
That was the word of a professional engineer in a report documenting ongoing structural damage to the building as a result of a seismic event that occurred on November 18, 2011.
“The entire building is now being influenced by heaving and settlement movements, which appear to be a result of fluctuating groundwater levels,” said Lawrence Riding from Riding Engineering. “These movements are causing the structural elements of the entire building to be stressed.”
Riding said the stressing of structural support members has the potential to cause serious damage, which would deem the building unsafe and trigger an emergency situation.
He said the main floor of the building on McKinney Road must be vacated no later than August 15. All remaining strata lots on the second and third floors must be vacated no later than September 1.
“It would be in the best interest of everyone for all strata lot owners to immediately begin securing alternative accommodations and storage.”
The engineering firm believes that the earthquake in 2011 resulted in a significant amount of cracking throughout the common areas of the main floor.
Park Place spokesman Stuart Syme gave the Chronicle a tour of the building, pointing out the numerous cracks and shifting of beams and walls.
He said the next step is a study to determine what it will take to repair the damage. He confirmed the building has earthquake insurance.
Syme said approximately 60 people are impacted by the notice to vacate.
“The first hurdle is comprehending that you have to move. During one briefing in April, I told them it would be prudent to find another place to move. I don’t think anyone believed me,” Syme said.
He noted the most important thing residents can do now is speak to their own insurance company regarding their individual claims.
Syme said if all goes according to hope, residents could be back in Park Place within 18 months after the repairs are completed.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
