The large excavation for the new UBCO tower downtown prompted the evacuation of Hadgraft Wilson Place/Kelowna10 app

By Vernon Matters Staff

Task force formed after damage and evacuation of Kelowna’s Hadgraft Wilson Place

Mar 28, 2025 | 6:00 PM

A joint task force of the three parties involved in the future of downtown Kelowna’s Hadgraft Wilson Place (HWP) said they are working to develop a sustainable and long-term solution.

However it was not immediately clear what that solution is.

Eighty-four residents living in HWP had to be evacuated last April 2024 due to damage to the five-storey apartment building caused by the construction of the large UBCO Tower nearby. The facility had only been open for around a year when it was forced to close down when cracks appeared in its structure and residents were removed for their safety.

A statement late Friday afternoon said the six-person task force which has been just been formed and which represents UBC Properties Trust – which is building the UBCO tower, Pathways Abilities Society – which operates HWP, and the City of Kelowna, is hopeful a solution can be found.

The statement added, in part, that the task force could not offer specific details due to ongoing legal processes, but they hoped to share more comprehensive updates in the weeks to come.

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“UBCO recognizes the disruption and worry this situation has caused for everyone involved,” said Dr. Lesley Cormack, Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for UBC’s Okanagan campus.

“While the legal process must run its course, we remain actively engaged to support the long-term wellbeing and prosperity of our community.”

For the full statement click here.