WorkSafeBC officers have said that evidence of asbestos played a part in the sudden closure of the Strathcona Hotel complex on December 12.
The complex that includes venues such as the Strathcona Hotel, the Sticky Wicket Pub, and Distrikt nightclub was currently undergoing construction when management discovered structural concerns that led to the sudden closure of the entire complex on Thursday afternoon, forcing the hotel to relocate all of its guests. According to WorkSafeBC, when their officers arrived on scene, the Strathcona owners were in the final stages of evacuating people from the premises. WorkSafeBC then confirmed that there was asbestos containing materials in the building.
WorkSafeBC said it is common for buildings constructed before 1990 to have asbestos and can be found in materials such as linoleum flooring, stucco, loose-blown insulation, roof felt shingles and drywall mud.
The sudden closure not only shut down business operations, but left several displaced guests disappointed.
“We visited 10-years ago, we were looking forward to visiting again and disappointed to see it closed,” said Matt Kilroy, visiting from Washington.
“We came back for nostalgic purposes,” said Robbie Aunspach also visiting from Washington state. “We came back to Canada back in 2013 so had a lot of fun and enjoyed the time here just wanted to come back and just see the whole building so kinda bummed they are closed for now.”
The Strathcona has been closed, and all hotel guests moved, after a structural issue during the facelift going on. They hope it will be solved within 24 hours. Are still booking guests for tomorrow after 4 pm @CHEK_News #yyj pic.twitter.com/TSPgtBidQR
— Julian Kolsut (@juliankolsut) December 12, 2019
Along with the guests staying in the hotel, a few holiday parties that were scheduled for Thursday had to also be relocated, Terry Friensen, the outlets manager, said.
In order for the Strathcona to reopen, WorkSafeBC requires that a qualified person confirms in writing that the asbestos has been safely contained or removed.
The company confirmed on the Sticky Wicket Pub Facebook page that they will re-open at 4 pm on December 13.
With files to Julian Kolsut
CHEK News
