WEDNESDAY UPDATE:

Vancouver City Council adopted a resolution, with amendments, to declare the building at 500 Dunsmuir Street a danger to public safety. The property owner, 500 Dunsmuir Property, owned by Holborn Properties, will be required to demolish the structure. The owner is also required to preserve certain heritage features to be reused in any future development of the site, provided that can be accomplished safely.  

THE Chief Building Official (CBO) of the City of Vancouver on Monday submitted a report recommending City Council adopt a resolution to declare the building at 500 Dunsmuir Street a danger to public safety. If adopted, the property owner, 500 Dunsmuir Property Ltd., owned by Holborn Properties, will be required to demolish the structure.

The report will be considered during a special council meeting on Wednesday, December 18 at 3 p.m.

Following an on-site inspection with third-party engineers, the CBO determined that stabilizing the structure cannot be done safely in a timely manner. Vacant since 2013, the structure has suffered extensive damage from years of neglect, the City said.

Key concerns include:

• Severe water damage

• Contamination from hazardous building materials and wildlife biowaste

• Compromised structural integrity

The City noted that building maintenance, regardless of a building’s occupancy status, is the responsibility of the property owner. While the City had been aware of the building’s deteriorating condition, the full extent of the damage only became evident recently. Upon learning of the severity, the City acted immediately to conduct inspections, engage third-party experts, and ensure that appropriate actions were taken to protect public safety.