BURSTWilliams Lake Sandman Hotel’s chain operator Northland Properties Corporation has been hit with $624,051.48 penalty in May.
The stop-work order was issued at the site after the inspection, the report informed.
According to the report, the officer found a garbage bin containing mixed building materials, including baseboards with mould and paint debris from drywall. Workspace says ”asbestos contaminated waste was improperly handled as baseboards pulled from asbestos-containing walls were left in an open garbage bin outside”
Additionally, the officer reported significant visible mould on at least one wall and mould-impacted-insulation in another room. The officer also observed drywall compound and related debris on floors and carpets.
The officer found that the company had not properly communicated the hazardous material exposure risks to renovation workers, hotel staff or others who could enter the renovation areas. Also, none of the workers had asbestos training or certificates.
However, it was not the first time Northland Properties Corporation violated asbestos and worker safety regulations. The company has received asbestos-related orders at Sandman Hotel locations in Kelowna, Richmond, Revelstoke, and Vancouver, including properties on Georgia, Davie and Burrard streets.
”No worker safety measures were taken as just one employee was wearing a disposable dust mask’’, the report reads.
WorkSafeBC concluded that because of the deficiencies, “anyone accessing the renovation area was likely exposed to asbestos and other hazardous materials.’’ The agency also said cross contamination of the hotel interior was also likely and contaminated debris may have been spread via footwear and contaminated clothing to other areas of the hotel.
The employer told the officer an asbestos report had been completed and representatives believed there was no asbestos hazard. However, when the officer reviewed the July 4, 2025 Environmental report, it identified asbestos in drywall taping compound throughout the hotel at one to five per cent chrysotile, as well as lead in painted walls.
Moreover, Northland failed to provide required written notice of project at least 48 hours before work involving moderate risk asbestos activities and exposure to visible mould began.
The stop-work order was lifted in feb. 18 after WorkSafeBC received documentation stating that all asbestos had been removed.
The Williams Lake Tribune reached out to Northland Properties Corporation for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.