A recent report from WorkSafeBC, obtained through a freedom of information request, has uncovered that the operator of a Sandman Hotel in Williams Lake had previously violated asbestos regulations more than a dozen times at various locations throughout British Columbia. The report, detailing a penalty of $624,051.48 imposed on Northland Properties, highlighted the company’s failure to ensure worker safety during a renovation project at the Williams Lake hotel in December 2025.
During the inspection, a WorkSafeBC inspector observed visible mold on walls, absence of decontamination measures, and only one worker wearing a disposable dust mask voluntarily. Despite prior knowledge of asbestos presence in drywall compound and lead-containing paint within the hotel, the risks were not communicated to employees as per a pre-construction report.
The report indicated that due to these lapses, individuals accessing the renovation area were likely exposed to asbestos and other hazardous materials, with potential cross-contamination within the hotel premises. Consequently, a stop-work order was issued by WorkSafeBC, prompting the hotel operator to initiate asbestos abatement before resuming renovation activities.
WorkSafeBC noted that Northland failed to demonstrate adequate diligence in ensuring asbestos safety and compliance with worker safety regulations. The absence of asbestos or hazardous material references in the company’s Health and Safety Program was highlighted as a concern, considering the confirmed carcinogenic nature of asbestos and lead.
Additionally, WorkSafeBC revealed that Northland Properties had a history of multiple asbestos-related violations at various Sandman Hotel locations across B.C., resulting in over a dozen penalties, stop-work orders, and safety notices over the years. The repeated violations led to the substantial penalty imposed on Northland, with the regulator emphasizing the lack of significant action taken by the employer to prevent future violations and protect workers from hazardous exposures.
Northland Properties, a prominent Vancouver-based hospitality firm operating various brands including Sandman Hotels, Denny’s Canada, and Grouse Mountain Resort, has expressed its commitment to prioritizing health and safety. The company has disputed claims of guest exposure to asbestos or hazardous materials and has requested a review of the administrative penalty imposed by WorkSafeBC, affirming that corrective measures were promptly implemented to address the identified issues.