Edmonton shuts down building where security guard was shot, citing ‘serious safety concerns’

Less than two days before Christmas, the residents of a central Edmonton apartment building found themselves in a state of turmoil as they were forced to evacuate their homes due to serious safety concerns. The building, located at 10603 107th Avenue, was shut down by the City of Edmonton through an emergency order following the tragic shooting of 20-year-old security guard, Harshandeep Singh, who lost his life while on duty in the building.

The news of the evacuation came as a shock to the more than 60 people living in the apartment building, including approximately 25 children. Residents were given a mere 45 minutes to pack up their belongings, with two Edmonton transit buses waiting outside to transport them to temporary accommodations. The scene on the slushy sidewalk was chaotic, with suitcases and laundry baskets overflowing with clothes and shoes being hauled out of the building.

Janet Heathen and her mother, Danette Firingstoney, were among the distraught residents as they packed up their belongings into a taxi bound for a hotel. Janet expressed her feelings of uncertainty and fear, questioning where they would go after their stay at the hotel. She lamented, “We have no more home. We have nothing.”

City officials cited escalating safety issues in the building, exacerbated by two recent shootings, as the reason for the emergency closure. David Jones, the City of Edmonton community standards branch manager, highlighted the deteriorating living conditions in the building over the past month, stating that it posed an imminent risk to residents, visitors, and the public in the immediate vicinity.

Karisa Halkett, a long-time resident of the building, shared her sentiments of unease and vulnerability following the tragic incident that claimed the life of the security guard. She expressed uncertainty about her future living arrangements and the loss of the sense of safety and security she once felt in her home.

In response to the evacuation, the City of Edmonton, along with partner agencies such as the Canadian Red Cross and Homeward Trust, are working to provide temporary housing and support to the displaced residents. While two households have already received assistance from the Red Cross, additional households have been relocated with the help of Homeward Trust housing workers.

The closure of the apartment building under the Municipal Government Act comes after years of unresolved maintenance issues and health violations. The property has been the subject of numerous inspections and citations, with ongoing problems ranging from neglect of maintenance to active pest infestations. The abrupt evacuation has left many residents feeling a sense of relief amidst the chaos, with some viewing it as a blessing in disguise.

As residents bid farewell to their homes just days before Christmas, they are left grappling with uncertainty and upheaval. The building will be boarded up, and residents are left to navigate the challenges of finding new permanent homes during the holiday season. Despite the challenges ahead, the community remains resilient and hopeful for a brighter future beyond the shadows of the past.