The City of Terrace has issued an order through the fire chief to move out any remaining tenants from the Coachman Apartments on Sparks St. on the Bench following a failed safety inspection.
City officials say the move follows what it called “numerous deficiences” violating the city’s own fire prevention bylaw and the B.C. building code after an inspection was done Jan. 8.
The building is no longer considered safe for occupancy and the city will soon start securing the building.
City officials, Ksan Society officials and the RCMP went through the building this afternoon to ensure people are leaving.
Steps are being taken to disconnect the power and to then board up the building to prohibit unauthorized entry.
The fire chief’s order was delivered to the executor of the property owner’s estate on Jan. 28, 2024 for an immediate evacuation of the building, cutting the power, reducing fire hazards and securing against unauthorized entry. The executor is in agreement with the order and supports the city’s actions to vacate and secure the building, the city said today in a release.
The action follows advisories in early 2023 urging the tenants to leave due to hazardous conditions such as lack of running water, black mold, structutal disrepair, and other safety risks.
Troubling conditions at the building came to light in late December 2022 through reports of frozen water pipes breaking, mould and other unsafe living conditions.
Officials then urged people to leave and while alternate accommodation was found, some tenants declined the offer.
The city release of today said two remaining tenants agreed to leave.
The condition of the building became complicated due to the death of its owner and subseqent need to deal with the estate.