**** EMO / HRM Media Release
State of Emergency Lifted
The removal of the crane and debris at the Olympus building on South Park Street in Halifax is now complete. Based on this work and advice provided by two independent engineering experts, the localized state of emergency was lifted today, Nov. 4.
“Our main objective was to remove the crane as safely as possible so businesses and residents could get their lives back to normal,” said Chuck Porter, Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office. “We all appreciate how challenging the last eight weeks have been. I want to thank everyone for their understanding and patience.”
Residents and businesses can still expect some disruptions and street closures in the coming days as the municipality repairs damage to South Park and Clyde Streets.
Today, the Department of Labour and Advanced Education also removed the original stop work order on the Olympus and Brenton Suites construction sites. The site is now the developer’s responsibility. A new order was issued today requiring additional documentation before work on the top floors that were damaged by the impact of the crane could resume. Work on other parts of the building can resume. The department will monitor compliance with all workplace and provincial safety standards.
The Labour and Advanced Education inspection of the crane and what factors may have contributed to the collapse remain ongoing.
Quick Facts:
— the crane collapsed during Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 7
— the province reviewed independent advice from Harbourside Engineering. The province also reviewed advice provided by Campbell Comeau, contracted by the Olympus building developer
— the fallen crane was a Potain MDT 268A. It weighed 150,000 pounds
— the evacuation order displaced residents from 21 units of the Trillium building and several South Park Street businesses
Evacuation order lifted, repairs to streets and sidewalks to begin
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that the evacuation order affecting residents near the site of the collapsed construction crane has been lifted. Work will now commence on repairing damage to South Park and Clyde streets and the sidewalks adjacent to the site.
The provincial government lifted the localized state of emergency today and, following confirmation from the province that the site is now stable, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) Chief Ken Stuebing has lifted the evacuation order. Areas previously under an evacuation order are now permitted entry and re-occupation, specifically:
- 1459 South Park St.
- 1463 South Park St.
- 1477 South Park St.
Portions of South Park and Clyde streets, as well as adjacent sidewalks, incurred damage resulting from the collapse of the crane and the subsequent removal operation. Beginning on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 5, fencing will be removed and work will be undertaken to reinstate sidewalks, curbs, asphalt, and pedestrian infrastructure in the affected area. Barring any unforeseen issues, this work should be completed in approximately five days.
The section of Victoria Park that was previously restricted will reopen once the fencing has been removed. Landscaping work will continue in the area.
Two lanes of traffic will be maintained while work is underway. Pedestrian access to businesses and residences along South Park and Clyde streets will also be maintained at all times, with routing adjusted around the work site as necessary.
Parking may be restricted on the east side of South Park Street between Spring Garden and Clyde Street while work is underway.
Additional Resources:
Emergency Management Act:
https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/emergency%20management.pdf
