A hotel operator has been fined more than $624,000 after WorkSafeBC found workers were exposed to asbestos, lead and mould hazards during renovation work at one of its properties in Williams Lake, B.C.
According to WorkSafeBC, Northland Properties Corporation was issued an administrative penalty of $624,051 on May 28, 2026, following an inspection of a hotel renovation project.
Inspectors observed debris from drywall containing asbestos, identified mould on a wall, and paint debris that had been confirmed to contain lead. WorkSafeBC said workers carrying out the renovations had not been trained or certified in asbestos abatement, and most were not using respiratory protection.
The agency also found there was no negative-pressure containment or decontamination system in place to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. In addition, the company had not developed risk assessments or exposure control plans for work involving asbestos and lead.
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WorkSafeBC determined the company had failed to ensure hazardous materials were safely contained or removed before renovation work began, classifying the offence as a high-risk violation.
The regulator also cited the company for failing to submit a required notice of project to WorkSafeBC at least 48 hours before work involving asbestos-containing materials began, a repeated violation.
In addition, WorkSafeBC found the company failed to ensure the health and safety of its own workers and other workers at the site, an offence it classified as both repeated and high risk.
The penalty is currently under review after the company submitted a request to WorkSafeBC’s Review Division.
Northland Properties operates in the overnight and short-term accommodation sector.
