Hello lovely supporters! There are some new developments in our efforts to save historic 1245 Edward Street. After four days of illegally working, with two Stop Work notices posted by HRM municipal staff, yesterday the NS Department of Labour officials came by to take a look. We had been calling them for days, as the workers said they were doing asbestos abatement, but no-one was wearing protective clothing, no notice given to neighbours, etc. Department of Labour shut down the work site due to unsafe work conditions for the Volcano Construction workers. It has to do with electricity. It seems that the university had not only not heated the house all winter, but also cut power to it. Therefore, they rigged up temporary power from the building they own next door (Glengary Apartments) and this was insufficient to run the large fans and machinery the workers need to do the asbestos removal and internal demolition that we believe is going on.
The crew left the site around 3:00 p.m. after sealing up the doors.
I had called Councillor David Hendsbee, who is on the city's Heritage Advisory Committee and implored him to call an emergency meeting, which he has done for Friday at 1:00 p.m. You can see the report and agenda online and watch the meeting. I'm very thankful to him for this leadership. He advised me to keep a close eye on the building. Dal can still resume demolition once they get the permit. You can also email deep.saini@dal.ca directly (Dal President)
Today NS Power showed up. Not sure if they hooked up power; they appeared to try to enter the house (with the big "Danger! Asbestos!) sign on it, but couldn't get in.
BTW, the Compliance Officer with HRM told me that in his 11 years of doing his job, this is the first instance of anyone ignoring his stop work orders. Leave it to Dal!
There has been a frenzy of media stories on this - I did an interview with 95.7 on the Todd Veniotte show yesterday, CBC Radio and TV, The Coast, etc. Will past in some links.
Also, please write directly to the Clerk of HRM in support of the meeting on Friday - either today or by tomorrow morning - marked URGENT. clerks@halifax.ca. Also the Legislative Assistant who usually looks after this committee is on vacation - please contact Jill McGillicuddy mcgillj@halifax.ca (902) 483-2810 if you have any issues sending things.
Susan Sapp's 97th birthday would have been tomorrow. Fingers crossed that we'll have something to celebrate soon.