THE City of Vancouver said on Tuesday that in response to the Chief Building Official’s demolition order, it has been planning and preparing for the demolition of the Balmoral Hotel at 159 East Hastings Street.
The Project Team will now move forward with a phased demolition approach, including abatement, demolition and site improvements (e.g., sidewalks) at the start of November. Given the age, complexity and condition of the building, demolition will take approximately 10-12 months to complete, with a targeted date of late-fall 2023.
The City said it recognizes that the Balmoral 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. It added that it is reaching out to community to seek guidance and involvement in providing respectful, healing and culturally appropriate support and ceremony for community through the building demolition and redevelopment process.
Guided by advice from community, the City said it will make every effort possible to reduce impacts to the community, businesses, residents and visitors throughout the demolition process.
Phase 1: Abatement
Removal of general waste materials from the building followed by site mobilization and hazardous building materials (HBM) abatement. Demolition activities will intensify towards the end of 2022 as mobilization and abatement activities commence. The public should expect to see installation of demolition hoardings and traffic management measures.
Timing: approximately Q4 2022 – Q2 2023
Phase 2: Demolition
Demolition begins systematically and sequentially. The public can expect to see traffic management measures and minor delays while travelling through the area.
Timing: approximately Q1 2023 – Q4 2023
Phase 3: Interim Uses pending redevelopmentÂ
Post-demolition, the site will be infilled and capped with asphalt to support interim servicing and community uses.
Timing: approximately Q4 2023
Throughout the demolition process, the City said it will continuously assess the site and building conditions and will adjust the demolition process and timing to account for any unforeseen circumstances, changes or new developments.
As the demolition is underway, the City said it will consult with community on the activation of the vacant site until it is redeveloped to create new social housing in partnership with BC Housing.
See background information on the Balmoral Hotel
Unrelated to this project, a recent fire further destabilized two aging buildings at 163 East Hastings and 169 East Hastings. As a result, orders have been issued by the City’s Chief Building Official for the demolition of these two buildings which will begin within the next seven to 10 days. The buildings had already been impacted by fires in July. The City said it is now taking immediate measures to address the unsafe condition of both buildings.
