This massive project is being blamed for damaging nearby buildings

Ground settling is being blamed for some damage to buildings surrounding the excavation site of a downtown tower, but officials say there are no current risks to public safety.

The focus of concern is a building located at 1405 St. Paul. Cracks were found inside and outside in late November.

As a precautionary measure, it was issued a "do not occupy" directive until further information about its structural integrity could be obtained.

The project at blame – the future vertical UBC Okanagan campus.

“Those things are being monitored by the construction project,” Lance Kayfish, risk manager with the City of Kelowna, told Kelowna10.

Over 150 monitoring devices have been installed around the construction site to keep a check on any potential risks and damages.

Kayfish said it’s not unusual for massive developments to cause superficial cracking in nearby buildings, especially older ones. The St. Paul property was built in the 1950s and subjected to numerous renovations and additions over the years.

“However, it is unusual to see that level of concern with one building in particular.”

Kayfish said there is no further risk to public safety at this time.

The large-scale excavation – likely the deepest in the city’s history — is to accommodate a five-floor underground parkade for the campus.

Nathan Skolski, a spokesperson for UBCO, said ground settling was always anticipated, given the scale and depth of the project.

“We are in regular communication with neighbouring properties to assess and monitor the impact of construction on their structures,” he wrote in an email to Kelowna10.

He said a team of structural and geotechnical engineers are on site conducting weekly assessments to ensure ongoing safety.

“These inspections are intended to detect potential risks early on and to ensure timely interventions when necessary.”