Introduction

Vancouver’s historic Dunsmuir Hotel, a building over a century old, is now being demolished after years of neglect have rendered it a threat to public safety. The demolition commenced on Saturday, following a decision made by the city council in December 2024, based on a shocking report revealing severe damage due to a lack of maintenance.

Condition of the Hotel

Located at 500 Dunsmuir Street, the hotel’s condition had deteriorated with leaks from its roof and considerable rot throughout the structure. Alarmingly, a portion of the ground floor collapsed, which prompted concerns about the building's overall stability.

Official Statements

Vancouver's chief building official, Saul Schewbs, addressed the heartbreaking situation, stating, “Unfortunately, we can’t save anything.” He emphasized the urgency of the decision, noting that trying to preserve any heritage features would have taken more than a year—too long to wait given the risk it posed to the community.

Demolition Precautions

Precautionary measures were taken during the demolition process. Sidewalks around the hotel were cordoned off, and businesses nearby were temporarily closed following a directive from WorkSafeBC. Additionally, traffic on Dunsmuir Street and surrounding thoroughfares was halted to ensure safety during the demolition.

Demolition Process

Schewbs provided insight into the demolition process, indicating that the work would begin at the northeast corner and progress across the building, aiming to finish within 36 to 40 hours. “We should be completed sometime late Sunday night or early Monday morning,” he noted, with the hope of returning to normal for commuters shortly thereafter.

Legal Considerations

In the aftermath of this demolition, city officials are turning their attention to potential legal action against the property’s owner, Holborn Properties. Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung expressed the importance of holding Holborn accountable for the building's deterioration, highlighting the need for compensation or acknowledgment of the historic loss faced by the city. “It’s really crucial that they don’t get a free pass on this because they allowed this building voluntarily to decay,” she asserted.

Holborn Properties' Stance

Holborn Properties has claimed it intended to redevelop the site but has faced obstacles due to bureaucratic delays. This ongoing saga raises serious questions about the preservation of heritage buildings amid urban development pressures, and serves as a cautionary tale for cities grappling with similar issues.

Conclusion

As Vancouver bids farewell to this historic landmark, discussions about safeguarding other significant buildings in the city are more crucial than ever. The Dunsmuir Hotel might be gone, but its downfall serves as a reminder: neglect can cost communities their heritage.