Parts of Bloomfield site in Halifax collapsing, unsafe to enter, says report

Parts of the former Bloomfield school in Halifax's north end are crumbling while the site remains undeveloped, according to documents released through freedom of information laws.

There have long been safety concerns around the multi-building site, as well as complaints that it's unsightly. But it's been unclear exactly how dangerous it is for people taking shelter there or emergency crews responding to fires.

Campbell Comeau Engineering, which performed a structural integrity assessment of the derelict property, found a number of hazards in the two older school buildings that are linked to the main Bloomfield building via pedways.

The assessment, dated Nov. 29, 2023, and obtained by CBC News, said the building on the Agricola Street side has "a roof leak that has led to the partial collapse of one area of the second floor," while both it and the building facing Robie Street have deterioration on load-bearing brick walls.

"It is our opinion that neither of these earlier buildings, in their present state, are safe to access. Consideration could be given to blocking access from the main building to these structures at the pedway connections to prevent entry," the report said.

The report comes after Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency described the Bloomfield site last October as an "immediate safety risk." The department said people were sheltering inside and had started fires.

Fire inspector Dustin Garnett ordered the developer, Alex Halef of Banc Investments Ltd., to conduct a structural integrity assessment. Although Halef initially appealed that order, he reached an agreement with the city in November. He was also ordered to keep people out of the building.

Emails show Garnett received the assessment on Jan. 12, 2024, and shared it with district chiefs that day, writing that the two oldest buildings "are not safe to enter as they are in a state of structural failure."

"The entire exterior facade is rapidly deteriorating and crumbling in areas so extreme caution must be [taken] to anyone approaching or working in the collapse zone," Garnett wrote.

The report found the main Bloomfield building has two roof leaks, but the framing and load-bearing walls are all in good condition.

It is "structurally acceptable" for emergency personnel to enter the main building, the report said, but noted tripping hazards like construction debris and water.

Municipal spokesperson Laura Wright said the city has not issued any new orders, but Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency is still concerned about safety around the buildings. She could not provide information about the status of the pedways, or whether they have been blocked. 

Halef said last year that he couldn't afford to demolish the site.

However, when Halef bought the property from Halifax, a condition of the sale said construction must begin before January 2026. After that, Halifax can buy back the property.

In the meantime, Banc Investments has pitched other major housing developments to the city, including creating thousands of units in Bedford Commons and Exhibition Park.