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In the early years of the 21st century, fourteen fortunate families acquired what they believed to be dream residences – million-dollar houses boasting panoramic vistas in the Seawatch development of Sechelt, situated on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. However, this aspiration rapidly transformed into a distressing ordeal due to unforeseen geological instability and property devaluation.
Seawatch Dream Homes Plunged into Sinkhole Nightmare
The initial indications of trouble surfaced in 2012 when a substantial 82-foot sinkhole opened up in the road network, engulfing a vehicle. Further sinkholes occurred in 2015, preceding a particularly deep chasm, measuring approximately 39 feet, on Christmas Day of 2018. These events significantly amplified anxieties regarding the ground’s soundness in the area of the Sechelt real estate development.
Evacuation Orders Issued Amidst Growing Sinkhole Risk
By February 2019, following evaluations from engineering professionals highlighting persistent dangers from sinkhole activity, the District of Sechelt promptly mandated evacuation alerts for the 14 properties located on North Gale Avenue and Seawatch Lane. Residents recounted receiving initial warnings on a Thursday evening, with the mandatory evacuation order being enforced as early as the following Friday afternoon.
“Somebody’s Going to Die”
“[Engineers] essentially indicated that a fatality was imminent,” district spokesperson Julie Rogers stated to the Times Colonist at the time, underscoring the severe nature of the risk. Homeowners who vacated their residences were informed that re-entry would remain prohibited until the evacuation order was rescinded, a situation that has now persisted for five years. The state of emergency was extended roughly 138 times by 2022, according to the Campbell River Mirror, demonstrating the prolonged crisis.
Legal Challenges to Prolonged Emergency Status
However, a court decision in 2022 determined that these repeated extensions were unlawful, as the declared emergency status was unduly prolonged without adequate measures being implemented to resolve the fundamental causes of the instability.
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Financial Ruin for Seawatch Homeowners
The financial repercussions for homeowners have been devastating. Properties initially valued at over $1 million have plummeted in worth to a mere $1 each, representing a near-total loss of investment for those affected by the Sechelt sinkhole crisis.
Abandoned Neighbourhood: Seawatch Subdivision Today
Currently, the afflicted Seawatch neighbourhood remains largely deserted. Residents are displaced, and their properties are essentially worthless. Since the local state of emergency was declared, numerous residents, many with substantial capital tied up in their now-inaccessible homes, have been compelled to reside in rental accommodations, exacerbating their financial strain.
Dreams Dashed, Mortgages Remain
“We relocated here to reside in our dream house, and now we are forbidden from even entering,” Ross Storey lamented to the Times Colonist in 2019. “We are still obligated to pay a $450,000 mortgage, along with property taxes,” highlighting the ongoing financial burden despite losing access to their homes.
Vandalism and Theft Plague Deserted Homes
Compounding the already dire situation, homeowners are now contending with acts of theft and vandalism targeting the abandoned properties. “It has deteriorated, undoubtedly, because I believe perpetrators are aware they can enter unchallenged at night; no one will intervene, granting them free rein,” explained resident Ed Pednaud in 2023, detailing the escalating problem.
Destruction and Impunity
Mr. Pednaud showed Global News evidence of smashed plumbing, wrecked ceilings, and graffiti within his former dwelling, illustrating the extent of the damage inflicted since he and his family urgently evacuated.
District of Sechelt Remains Silent Amidst Litigation
According to reports in 2023, the District of Sechelt has refrained from public comment regarding the Seawatch subdivision due to pending legal action. Their official website states: “As of February 15, 2019, 1:00pm, the Seawatch subdivision area is closed to public access.”
Emergency Services Unavailable
The website notice further clarifies: “A state of Local Emergency was declared and an Evacuation Order was issued for Seawatch Neighbourhood. This area is not anticipated to be serviced by emergency services, including police or ambulance,” effectively isolating the abandoned zone.
Dark Tourism and Urban Exploration
Presently, the subdivision is more commonly visited by dark tourism enthusiasts seeking to explore a residential area completely devoid of inhabitants and now undergoing natural reclamation. The YouTube channel, Abandoned Urbex Canada, has documented the site on multiple occasions in recent years, providing a unique glimpse into the area and the deteriorating state of the homes.