City of Coquitlam forcing developer to hire outside geotechnical engineer following dramatic collapse of shoring wall

The City of Coquitlam is requiring a developer to hire a third-party geotechnical engineer following the collapse of a shoring wall at their construction site last week.

The north shoring wall at 500 Foster Ave. failed last week. A video of the collapse was uploaded to social media and reported widely across local media.

Friday’s update from the city explained that, although it is not standard practice to force hiring a outside geotechnical engineer, the requirement would be “an added precaution” for oversight and remediation purposes.

“City officials felt it was important to ensure there was additional oversight and trust for the protection of city infrastructure as well as the surrounding neighbourhood,” said Doug Vance, Coquitlam’s building permits manager.

Remediation of the site is ongoing, but Amacon has advised the city the site has stabilized, according to Monday’s update.

Due to a rainfall advisory issued by Environment Canada, city officials are monitoring the site, adding that sandbags are being placed in preparation of the forecasted downpour.

“No further movement has been identified and the backfill has proceeded to a point where it is nearing completion,” the city stated.

Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way remains closed to vehicle traffic, though the geotechnical engineer is allowing the developer to bring in trucks for repair work.

The city advised the closure will stay in effect until remediation is complete  to “ensure the integrity of surrounding infrastructure and roadways.”

The road was first closed after the city was first notified by the developer of a problem on Nov. 29, and a traffic bulletin the same day initially scheduled reopening for Dec. 1.

Overnight work continued throughout the weekend, but Amacon has informed the city work will no longer continue past 8 p.m.

“Coquitlam joins Amacon Construction Ltd. in apologizing to neighbours for these inconveniences and appreciate the ongoing patience as we work together to resolve this,” Vance said.

WorkSafeBC has inspected the site and permitted work to stabilize the wall, prescribing safety instructions.

The city notes the BC Building Code does not regulate shoring walls, which fall under the mandate of geotechnical engineers who have their own code of standard and ethics for safety during these incidents.

No injuries have been reported and no damage has occurred to city roads or underground infrastructure, according to the city.

The city said Amacon has been following its good neighbour policy, and is communicating with neighbouring property owners and residents regarding repairs and associated noise.