Halifax wine bar surrounded by scaffolding says building inspection is ‘significant’ step forward

The downtown Halifax building at the corner of Barrington and Sackville streets has been a source of frustration for the owners of Obladee Wine Bar for nearly two years. The scaffolding surrounding the property was put in place as a safety measure after a person was injured by falling debris in June 2023, but the property owner has failed to make any repairs or take action until now.

Heather Rankin, who owns Obladee with her brother Christian Rankin, expressed relief that the city is finally taking steps to address the issue. The Rankin siblings went public last month with their dilemma, highlighting how the unsightly scaffolding has been driving customers away and preventing them from opening their patio for the past two summers.

Mayor Andy Fillmore, who recently took office, has voiced his support for resolving the situation promptly to ensure that Obladee does not miss another patio season. The municipality has confirmed that inspection work on the building will take place this weekend, with traffic delays and sidewalk closures expected in the area.

The property owner, the Caryi Group, has faced financial difficulties following the death of its principal, Steven Caryi, in 2023. His family is now looking to sell off properties to settle mortgage debts totaling around $47 million. Despite the challenges, Obladee remains open for business and is hopeful that the inspection will lead to much-needed repairs.

Rankin emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that there is still a lot of work to be done before the scaffolding can be taken down and the patio can be reopened. The Halifax Regional Municipality has made it clear that the scaffolding must remain in place until repairs are completed.

As the community eagerly awaits the outcome of the inspection this weekend, the Rankin siblings are optimistic that a resolution is on the horizon. With the support of the city and the commitment of the property owner, Obladee Wine Bar may soon see the end of this long-standing issue and a return to normalcy for their business.