A recent report from WorkSafeBC, accessed through a freedom of information request, has disclosed that the operator of a Sandman Hotel in Williams Lake had previously breached asbestos regulations more than a dozen times in various locations across British Columbia. The report details a penalty of $624,051.48 imposed on Northland Properties by the workplace regulator for failing to ensure worker safety during a renovation project at the Williams Lake hotel in December 2025.
During an inspection at the site, a WorkSafeBC inspector observed visible mold on the walls, absence of decontamination measures, and only one worker wearing a disposable dust mask voluntarily. Despite knowing about the presence of asbestos and lead-based paint in the drywall compound and paint of the hotel, the risks were not communicated to the employees as per a pre-construction report. This lack of communication resulted in potential exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials for anyone in the renovation area.
Following the inspection, WorkSafeBC issued a stop-work order at the site, prompting the hotel operator to commence asbestos abatement before resuming the renovation. The workplace regulator criticized Northland for failing to demonstrate due diligence in ensuring asbestos safety and compliance with worker safety regulations. The absence of any reference to asbestos or hazardous materials in the Northland Construction – Health and Safety Program was highlighted as a significant concern in the report.
The report also highlighted previous violations by Northland, with over $620,000 in fines imposed by WorkSafeBC due to multiple orders and penalties related to asbestos violations across various Sandman Hotel locations in B.C. over more than a decade. The company had received numerous penalties, stop-work orders, and safety notices related to hazardous material exposure, indicating a pattern of non-compliance.
Northland Properties, a prominent Vancouver-based hospitality firm operating multiple brands including Sandman Hotels, Denny’s Canada, Grouse Mountain Resort, and Chop Steakhouse, is led by CEO Tom Gaglardi, who also owns the NHL’s Dallas Stars. The company intends to appeal the WorkSafeBC penalty, stating that no hotel guests were exposed to asbestos or hazardous materials, and emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of their staff and guests.
