On December 22nd, just days before Christmas, the City of Edmonton ordered the immediate evacuation and closure of a central Edmonton apartment building located at 10603 107 Ave. due to escalating safety concerns. This drastic measure, taken just weeks after a security guard was fatally shot on the premises, displaced over 60 residents, including approximately two dozen children. The city emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the building’s continued occupation posed an imminent risk to residents and visitors. In partnership with the Alberta government and the Canadian Red Cross, the city provided immediate temporary housing and transportation to all displaced residents, acknowledging the difficult timing of the evacuation so close to the holidays.
The decision to close the building stemmed from a recommendation by the Residential Inspection Safety Compliance Team, following a long history of safety violations and neglected maintenance. City officials revealed a five-year investigation into the property, encompassing 60 inspections and resulting in 25 citations. Despite these efforts and some incremental progress, numerous serious issues remained unresolved. These issues included alleged neglect of maintenance, persistent pest infestations, and other hazardous conditions. The city stressed that the recent fatal shooting of a security guard on December 6th tragically underscored the gravity of these concerns and further highlighted the urgent need for action.
Following the shooting, the city received additional information that reinforced the severity of the safety and security risks within the building, leading to the conclusion that the situation had not improved and that residents remained in imminent danger. While acknowledging the significant impact of displacing residents from their homes, especially during the holiday season, city officials emphasized that the urgency of the situation left them with no other alternative. The city’s primary concern was the safety and well-being of the residents, and the decision to evacuate was made with their best interests in mind.
The victim of the December 6th shooting was identified as 20-year-old Harshandeep Singh, a security guard who had recently immigrated to Canada from northern India. Friends of Singh shared that he had only been working as a security guard for three days when he was tragically killed. Two individuals have since been charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death. The incident served as a stark reminder of the dangerous conditions present in the building and ultimately catalyzed the city’s decision to order its immediate closure.
The closure of the apartment building is indefinite, with the city stating that it will remain shuttered until all safety concerns are addressed and the building owner meets the required business license conditions related to health, safety, and security. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the building is brought up to acceptable standards before residents are allowed to return. The closure affects only the residential units and does not impact the commercial businesses operating on the ground floor of the building. The City of Edmonton and its partners have committed to ongoing monitoring and coordination to address the situation effectively.
This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining safe and habitable living conditions in rental properties. The city’s intervention underscores the responsibility of property owners to ensure the well-being of their tenants and the potential consequences of neglecting these responsibilities. The tragic death of Harshandeep Singh serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating impact that unsafe living conditions can have. The ongoing investigation and subsequent closure of the building demonstrate the city’s commitment to protecting its residents and holding property owners accountable for maintaining safe and secure environments.
