City Proceeds with Remedial Action Order for 5170 Argyle Street

Port Alberni, BC – As part of the upcoming commercial building demolition process the City of Port Alberni, through its contractor, Warbrick Contracting Inc., will be systematically removing contaminated/hazardous materials from 5170 Argyle Street. This work will commence in mid-November 2024 and will follow all Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and be carried out by certified and qualified asbestos abatement workers.

Following the discovery of hazardous materials in May 2024 swift action was taken to enact a Fire Order leading to the subsequent evacuation of the building commonly referred to as the Port Pub. The City worked quickly to help mobilize emergency support services to provide support and assistance to tenants affected by the evacuation of the building.

As abatement activities proceed, the City will make every effort to contact former tenants of the building to return any personal belongings left behind at the time of the evacuation. “It is important to us that the former tenants have an opportunity to reclaim any personal items left behind. If you or someone you know wishes to have items returned, we ask that you please contact City staff at the Public Safety Building at 250.720.2831,” said Mary Clare Massicotte, Manager of Community Safety & Social Development.

Abatement activities are expected to take six weeks to complete. Once complete, the contractor will acquire a demolition permit from the City. The contractor will then execute the controlled demolition of the commercial building meeting all Worksafe BC requirements throughout the demolition process. Neighbouring residents and businesses will be kept informed as the demolition work proceeds.  

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Background

• The first Remedial Action Order was issued to the building owner of 5170 Argyle Street in January 2024.
• After failing to remediate the property in the allotted time City Council issued direction to staff to proceed with repairs at the owner’s expense.
• In February 2024 it was documented that both the fire alarm and sprinkler system were disabled and a Fire Order was issued.
• In February 2024 the City hired a security company to provide third-party fire watch with the intent of recouping the costs from the property owner.
• In May 2024 hazardous materials were detected in the building, a Fire Order was enacted and the building was evacuated.

For More Information:

Mary Clare Massicotte

Manager of Community Safety & Social Development, City of Port Alberni

250.720.2870

Maryclare_massicotte@portalberni.ca