EDMONTON - Just days before Christmas, residents of a central Edmonton apartment building found themselves abruptly evacuated, following the tragic death of 20-year-old security guard Harshandeep Singh. Singh was shot and killed during his shift on December 6, and now, safety concerns have prompted the City of Edmonton to declare the building unsafe.
The eviction order came on December 23, just two weeks after the shooting incident. On scene, city officials from various departments worked alongside Edmonton police officers to assist the more than 60 residents, many of whom were unprepared for such sudden displacement. Some residents were reported to have only 45 minutes to pack their belongings as transit buses awaited outside.
David Jones, the city's community standards branch manager, stated, "Safety concerns have escalated and conditions have deteriorated to the point the continued occupation of this building poses an imminent risk to those living in the building and their visitors." He noted the building had been the site of numerous inspections and citations, with 25 citations issued over the past five years due to various violations.
For many residents, this was not just about lost housing; it was about security and uncertainty. Kolten Comeau had only recently moved to the building for work, stating he would not be returning. "I think it might be because of all the reports related to this building. I won’t be coming back to this building," he said, as he packed three bags hurriedly before leaving. Comeau expressed doubts about his future, as he planned to return to New Brunswick for the holidays but leaving his living situation unresolved.
Meanwhile, Janet Heathen, emotional and anxious about her family's future, remarked, "I don't feel safe now, because where are we going to go after the hotel? We have no more home. We have nothing." The time of the evacuation weighed heavily on the residents, as Malaysia and health care services were overwhelmed with the extra strain just before Christmas.
The City of Edmonton has stated it will be providing temporary accommodations with the help of the Canadian Red Cross for those displaced. Approximately 60 individuals, including children, will benefit from this assistance.
Jones elaborated on the building's dire conditions, stating, "We have serious concerns for health and safety. Living conditions have worsened over the past month, and we received troubling information pointing to incidents of violence and poor maintenance." Such assertions are backed by public health inspection records indicating nine health orders dating back to April 2023. These included cases where serious maintenance issues were ignored, such as broken heating systems and active pest infestations. Jones noted, "The property has been the subject of multiple violation notices, and conditions have not improved. This closure is necessary until we can find comprehensive solutions to the existing issues."
Meanwhile, residents have voiced frustration over the lack of communication from building management leading up to the evacuation. Many felt blindsided by the sudden nature of the evacuation and the dire state of their residences. Karisa Halkett, who lived there for nearly a year, expressed her feelings of betrayal and fear of what lies ahead, stating, "My place was always a safe spot for me, where I could lay my head. But after [the shooting], I started having second thoughts." Residents shared their plans of leaving, coupled with worries about their long-term housing stability.
Following the emergency order, officials assured residents they would work with community partners to find safe, permanent housing solutions for those displaced. The city confirmed it would manage the closure by boarding up the building, which was exclusively residential. The businesses on the ground floor would continue operating.
Singh's death and the events leading up to this evacuation have raised significant concerns over tenant safety across Edmonton. With the building's history of grievances and violations, effective solutions are needed to prevent similar situations from recurring. Currently, residents are left with uncertainty during what is typically considered a festive time of year, as they adjust to their sudden and unexpected displacement.
The city has committed to addressing safety and shelter vulnerabilities moving forward, particularly to assist displaced family units. All these efforts underline the urgent need for attention to housing conditions and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations.
