Edmonton apartment complex where security guard was killed evacuated for safety reasons

The central Edmonton building where a 20-year-old security guard was fatally shot earlier this month was being evacuated Monday.

Edmonton police officers, city staff, and buses were on the scene as residents filed out – some with their belongings in tow.

Residents told CityNews they received a notice asking them to evacuate due to safety reasons.

City of Edmonton said in a statement Monday afternoon that the closure was happening under the Municipal Government Act due to serious safety concerns.

“Safety concerns have escalated and conditions have deteriorated in the past month to the point that continued occupation of this building poses an imminent risk to those living in the building and their visitors,” read the statement from the City.

The City notes that they along with the Government of Alberta and the Canadian Red Cross are helping to provide 60 people, including 25, with temporary housing as they transition into safer accommodations.

“The building has been the site of numerous violations, and we have been provided with substantial evidence of non-compliance with business licensing conditions that were put in place to protect people living in and visiting the building,” said David Jones, the branch manager of community standards for the City of Edmonton.

Kolten Comeau, who came to Edmonton for work, says he signed a one-year lease. His mother has stayed at the apartment for the past six months, he’s only been there for a month and a half. They knew Friday evening he’d have to be ready to go Monday morning.

“They didn’t tell us anything, honestly. Didn’t tell me anyway. I think it might be because of all the reports that were on this building,” he explained. “I only came up with three bags, right? So, I came up with a carload of stuff. So I have to go get that.”

Now, he’s planning on heading back home to New Brunswick for the holidays, but plans beyond that are unclear. Saying the death of the security guard and several other issues are happening too often.

“I won’t be coming back to this building.”

The City of Edmonton also says that an investigation into the property is underway. Over the last five years, and through 60 inspections, officials have issued 25 citations at the property and numerous serious issues remain unresolved. It is believed that the building’s condition poses significant and imminent risks to the health and safety of its residents. 

On top of the safety concerns, officials have noted a neglect of maintenance, active pest infestations and other conditions that severely compromise the safety and well-being of residents.

The City of Edmonton says the apartment building will remain closed until all safety concerns are resolved and the property owner meets the business licence conditions for health, safety, and security. The City also notes this only affects the apartment units, not any of the stores located on the ground floor.

Security guard Harshandeep Singh, who came to Canada a year-and-a-half ago on a student visa, was killed while patrolling the apartment building last week. He had only been on the job for three days.

Two 30-year-old suspects, Evan Rain and Judith Saulteaux, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

An online fundraiser set up to help cover the costs of sending Singh’s body back to India, as well as assist with funeral expenses and legal costs, raised $122,000 in less than 24 hours.