Demolition work at the former site of Marigold Nursery in Central Saanich has resumed after WorkSafe B.C. lifted the stop-work order governing activity on the site.
The order was put in place July 21 after WorkSafe suspected asbestos was present on the property at 7874 and 7940 Lochside Dr.
WorkSafe determined a site inspection had not been conducted to identify hazardous materials, nor had such materials been contained or removed safely.
The order noted “materials such as damaged Transite sheeting, that is suspected to contain asbestos, was observed around the perimeter of two pre-existing greenhouses on the south end of the property.”
Other hazardous materials such as pressurized gas cylinders, propane tanks and chemicals also were deemed to be present.
A spokesperson for the Smith family, which ran Marigold Nursery for 53 years at the site, said measures have been taken to secure the area and the demolition work is being done by the company that bought the greenhouses.
The site is the subject of a rezoning application that will soon be in front of Central Saanich council.
In 2015, the site was sold by the Smith family to Tim Hackett and Steve Mann, the principals behind Marigold Lands, which intends to build a mixed-use development that will include as many as 250 units of housing in a range of housing types and sizes.
The Marigold Lands plan includes a mix of residential properties and a small commercial component spread over 264,500 square feet of construction.
Marigold Lands is expected to take possession of the property in August.
