Work begins this week on the demolition of the SilverCrest buildings on Fenchurch Avenue.
According to Becky Vermette, executive director of Princeton and District Community Services Society which is facilitating the project for BC Housing, is stressing to the community the properties will be brought down safely.
An abatement process will see the removal of both asbestos and mold before demolition proceeds, protecting the neighbourhood from exposure, she explained.
The buildings, which were damaged in the 2021 floods, have not been cleaned in more than two years, although they were used briefly by squatters last month.
Previous to the flood the units provided rent-geared-to-income housing for seniors.
Heavy equipment arrived at the site last Friday, and early this week managers were expected to go door-to-door in the area, informing residents about the process.
Vermette said she has not been given a timeline for the project to be completed, underlining that the buildings belong to BC Housing.
In an interview last year a provincial government representative told the Spotlight that once the buildings are removed the property will fall under the BC Housing Land Trust.
The area, which is adjacent to the Tulameen River, will be covered with gravel.
Vermette added she is relieved to see a plan in place.
“I’m happy to see them gone. It’s a constant reminder of the floods.
“It’s awful losing housing for sure, but I hope this will lead to something better.”
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