Winnipeg City in Canada orders 13 hours evacuation of residents of Pottage Avenue building over fears of imminent collapse
A large apartment block in the 2400 block of Portage Avenue, in Winnipeg, has been evacuated after structural problems were found.
City officials also went door to door to 30-40 properties in the neighbourhood informing residents that they are on an evacuation watch and may need to evacuate, if and when the structural condition of the apartment building requires it.
A town hall-style meeting with residents and Henry Borger of Ladco Company Limited, was held at the hotel Friday. Borger was joined by a structural engineer who inspected the building prior to it being deemed structurally unsound.
At the City Hall press conference, Shaw said this is the first time in his 22 years with the City that he’s experienced a large-scale evacuation due to a potential structural collapse.
Built in 1962, the building is managed by Lakewood Agencies on behalf of Ladco, which said all leases are considered terminated effective immediately.
The timeline for repairs, inspections, and re-occupancy are not yet known; however, it’s anticipated that it may take several months to address the identified structural issues.
