Highline

EXPEDITE CONSTRUCTION RESUMPTION AFTER CITY SITE CLOSURE

Vision: Complete remedial slope work on the site’s road and revise geohazard reports to demonstrate the road’s integrity and safety, so construction could resume.

In 2021, an atmospheric river caused severe flooding in Abbotsford, impacting the road within Liberty Ridge’s residential development site. As a result, the City raised concerns regarding site integrity and safety, including the potential risk of landslides.

At the time, Liberty Ridge had already completed all site servicing, including the road and underground infrastructure. One lot contained an eight-plex that was well advanced in construction, with the building substantially complete and finishing work underway. Other lots were also at various stages of construction. Due to the City’s concerns, a stop work order was issued on the nearly completed eight-plex, and the entire site was shut down.

Liberty Ridge leveraged ELM’s construction and development management expertise to complete the remedial slope work required along the road and support the revised geohazard reporting process. While much of the required material was already available, certain elements had become outdated and needed to be updated to current standards before the geohazard reports could be resubmitted.

There was significant revenue and reputational urgency to resolving the issue. The site closure forced Liberty Ridge to pause presales, marketing, and construction activity, while upcoming closings were placed at risk.

ELM provided specialized expertise in completing complex slope remediation and managing the detailed geotechnical requirements for a site located on the side of a mountain. By organizing, coordinating, and presenting the necessary technical information, ELM helped position the project for resubmission to the City and supported the path toward construction resumption.