News release

Crane Removal Update, Oct. 23

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Workers successfully removed the top section of the main tower of the fallen crane in Halifax late Tuesday, Oct. 22.

This represents a milestone in the project. With both the top and middle sections of the tower removed from the building over the past two days, the evacuation order was lifted today, Oct. 23, by Halifax Fire and Emergency for residents from 21 units in the northeast and northwest sides of the Trillium Building.

The evacuation order remains in place for three South Park Street businesses in the Trillium. Further work must take place on the remaining sections of the crane, as well as removal of debris before it is safe for those businesses to reopen.

“This has been a difficult time for everyone impacted by this incident. We appreciate the patience that has been shown by everyone involved.” said Lloyd Hines, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. “Progress continues on getting the rest of the crane down and down safely.”

It is estimated that it may take another eight working days to remove the rest of the crane, weather permitting, and providing nothing unforeseen arises. Site clean up and other work is also planned over the coming days. Today’s work will include re-configuring and repositioning the heavy-lift cranes to lift the remaining crane pieces off the top of the Olympus building. The big red crane is also scheduled to lift pieces of the tower base today.

Further information will be provided as soon as it is available.

Quick Facts:

  • the crane collapsed during Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 7, on the Olympus building on South Park Street
  • the localized state of emergency at the site remains in place until Oct. 30
  • the localized emergency area is defined as the city block within the boundaries of Cathedral Lane, and bordered by Brenton Street, Brenton Place and Spring Garden Road
  • Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services is responsible for the evacuation order affecting residential and business tenants