An apartment complex in Fort McMurray, Alberta has been condemned after a team of engineers and construction specialists found structural deterioration has made the buildings unsafe.
An apartment complex in Fort McMurray, Alberta has been condemned after a team of engineers and construction specialists found structural deterioration has made the buildings unsafe.
"It is with profound regret that we advise that it is highly unlikely that any person will ever enter any of the seven Penhorwood structures again, for any reason," said Al Penner, spokesman for the Penhorwood Place Condominium Corporation.
“(The remediation team) have formed the opinion that they can not in good conscience engage workers to undertake the short term stabilization plan previously mandated. Therefore, no longer-term remediation can occur either.”
The corporation advised its security firm last week to deny access to the site to anybody for any reason.
“What is the most alarming is that much of the failure in the concrete crawl space walls has occurred after residents were evacuated,” said Penner.
“The stability of the concrete structures will deteriorate dramatically, as the spring thaw commences.”
Fencing was put in place around seven condominium buildings and warning signs were prepared.
About 300 people were evacuated from the 168-unit complex in the late evening of March 11, after a structural engineering report detailed problems with the foundation.
Residents were given 10 minutes to gather belongings before they had to leave.
A remediation team of engineering and construction experts was appointed by the Penhorwood Condominium Board to examine the extent of the building’s structural problems and determine if the building could be fixed.
The remediation team report said parts of the buildings could shift and cause a gas line break, leading to a fire that would be difficult to control.
They also found evidence of deterioration with roofs starting to fail, as well as significant code contraventions regarding fire safety and geo-technical problems.
It is not clear at this stage if the company will tear the buildings down or if the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) will order them to be demolished.
The multi-disciplinary team included eight members with expertise in a variety of areas, including Terry Hodgson (project manager), Koralta Construction (construction manager), Peter Senez (fire safety and code review), SCL Engineering Ltd. (mechanical engineering), Shelby Engineering Ltd. (geotechnical) and Wade Engineering Ltd. (building envelope and roofing), as well as a an electrician, hydrologist and structural engineer.
A report by Gord Hunter of Shelby Engineering Ltd. found the fill materials used were substandard and all foundations, both interior and exterior need extensive remediation.
According to Penner, this was due to the building inspector waiving the certification required by a professional geo-technical engineer.
After signing liability waivers, residents were given a little time on March 16 to retrieve their personal belongings.
The RMWB has made contact with 320 affected residents to determine if they require short-term assistance.
Those requesting assistance are receiving a variety of services, including temporary accommodations, counseling and furniture.
Of the 168 affected units, 115 were occupied by tenants and 52 were occupied by owners.
One unit was vacant.
Some of the apartment owners are facing bankruptcy as they continue to make mortgage payments for homes they can’t live in.
The apartments on Penhorwood Street have had ongoing problems since they were built in 2004.
The Penhorwood Condominium Association was already engaged in a lawsuit with the developer over deficiencies in the buildings.
cracking joists at Penhorwood Condominium building in Fort McMurray
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