****  CNS Media Release/ Photos

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL–Crane Removal Update Oct. 26

Workers successfully removed the final pieces of the crane that were lying on the top storey of the Olympus building today, Oct. 26.

The tower transition piece of the counterjib and turntable are now safely on the ground. The cabin was removed yesterday, Oct. 25.

The work today represents another milestone in the project.

“The work has required many long hours and painstaking planning, and there is still more to do. It is dangerous work. I want to thank the crews for their expertise and all the work they have done to get this crane down safely,” said Lloyd Hines, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

With the removal of the sections today, workers will now take steps to evaluate the damage to the building and ensure debris and other materials on top of the apartment building are removed or secured. That work is estimated to take a few days.

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Once an assessment of the Olympus building is complete, more information on next steps will be shared. The building assessment will also help inform any decisions by Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency regarding status of the evacuation order still in place for a number of addresses in the vicinity of the Olympus building.

Work crews now move into the final phase of the operation, which involves dismantling and removing the heavy-lift cranes and proceeding with site clean-up.

Further information will be provided as soon as it is available.

Quick Facts:
— the localized state of emergency at the site remains in place until Oct. 30
— the localized emergency area is defined as the city block within the boundaries of Cathedral Lane, and bordered by Brenton Street, Brenton Place and Spring Garden Road
— Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services is responsible for the evacuation order affecting residential and business tenants. Businesses at 1459 South Park St., 1463 South Park St. and 1477 South Park St. remain under the Sept. 9 evacuation order