The Safety Codes Act Order issued on September 11, 2025, to “The Hub” building at 420 12 Street East was formally rescinded, effective September 18, 2025, with conditions.

The building owner was provided with a set of temporary conditions and required permanent solutions as part of the compliance process under the Safety Codes Act. This joint approach with one of the Town’s accredited safety code agencies was undertaken to return tenants to offering their services in a safe environment as quickly as possible.

As outlined in correspondence from the Agency, SCO-Fire, the conditions “must be met and strictly adhered to, thereby ensuring an acceptable level of life safety during the interim period while the building is reviewed for compliance.”

Some of the temporary measures to be completed by the building owner until a permanent solution can be designed and installed in due course are:

• A Fire Watch program is in place at times when the building is occupied until the installation of additional smoke detectors is completed.
• A Fire Safety Plan developed and distributed to all tenants of the building.
• Confirmation of full professional involvement within 14 days to develop and submit a detailed project timeline outlining the design, permitting, and installation of the required fire protection systems.

Starting today, September 22, 2025, the Fire Watch program is in place, and the building is considered safe for occupancy with these interim fire safety measures.

“We are very pleased to see The Hub’s demonstrated cooperation and commitment to a safe environment to ensure their compliance with the Alberta Safety Codes Act,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Esther Quiambao. “We remain committed to working alongside the building owner, property manager and the tenant organizations to support them any way we can with the provincial building code permitting process.”

The Town acknowledges and appreciates the cooperation of the tenant organizations, who were unaware of any fire code deficiencies when leasing space at “The Hub”. They have shown flexibility and commitment to safety throughout this process. The Town also looks forward to supporting the safe and continued operations of these programs.

The facility provides an invaluable space in the community by hosting these groups who provide essential programs and services for children and youth. Currently, “The Hub” serves over 200 of the young residents in the Valley.

These organizations include:

·         Aligned Soul Pilates	·         A.M.R. Dance Studio
·         Drumheller Gymnastics Club	·         Drumheller Titans Football Club
·         Kindred Spirits Montessori School

The Town of Drumheller also extends its gratitude to the community members and organizations who stepped forward to offer temporary space for the affected user groups during this period. We also acknowledge the cooperation of the tenant organizations during this transition and their commitment to the children, youth and families they serve.

BACKGROUNDER

On September 10, the Town of Drumheller’s Safety Codes Agency issued a Safety Codes Act Order following a site investigation, which prohibited the occupation of the “The Hub” at 420 12 Street East, as of 11:59 pm on September 11, 2025, which temporarily displaced five tenants of The Hub. The Order was issued by the Agency after the Town had been notified by the provincial Safety Codes Council, an independent regulatory body, of potential concerns that were flagged during a standard audit process. The Town initiated an inspection by a Safety Codes Officer, which led to the building being declared unsafe for occupation due to significant deficiencies in life safety systems, including the absence of a fire sprinkler system. 

The Public Notice, published on September 12, 2025, while not a regulatory requirement under the Safety Codes Act, The Town of Drumheller has a duty of transparency and public safety.

DEFINITIONS OF AUTHORITY

Alberta Safety Codes Act 

Provincial legislation that sets the legal framework for building, fire, electrical, plumbing, gas, elevators, and other safety systems in Alberta. The Act establishes minimum standards for construction, maintenance, and use of buildings and equipment to protect public health and safety. 

It authorizes the creation of regulations, codes (e.g., Alberta Building Code, Alberta Fire Code), and the system of accredited municipalities, agencies, and certified Safety Codes Officers who enforce it. 

Safety Codes Council (SCC) 

Safety Codes Council is an independent regulatory body that administers and oversees the safety code system on behalf of the Government of Alberta. 

The SCC certifies and monitors Safety Codes Officers, accredits and audits agencies and municipalities to ensure compliance with the Act.  They provide training, education and administers the appeals process for orders issued under the Act. The SCC also advises Alberta Municipal Affairs on safety codes policy. 

Safety Codes Officer (SCO)

A SCO is a provincially certified professional authorized to enforce the Alberta Safety Codes Act in a specific discipline (e.g., building, fire, electrical, plumbing). They conduct inspections, review plans, and ensure compliance with the Act, its regulations and codes. They can authorize and issue orders, variances, and notice of non-compliance under the Safety Codes Act. 

An SCO’s decisions carry legal authority while the SCC can only provide appeals. 

Town of Drumheller 

The Town of Drumheller is responsible for delivering Safety Codes services as outlined in its Quality Management Plan (QMP), using both municipal administrative staff and contracted accredited agencies and officers. It provides resources to meet its obligations under the Alberta Safety Codes Act, including the administration of applicable Alberta regulations, codes, and standards. All safety codes services are performed in compliance with the QMP to ensure compliance with the Act. Safety Codes Officers (SCOs) and Agencies contracted by the Municipality operate independently.