A recent WorkSafeBC report obtained through a freedom of information request has brought to light that Northland Properties, the operator of a Sandman Hotel in Williams Lake, has a history of repeatedly violating asbestos regulations at various locations across British Columbia. The report outlines a penalty of $624,051.48 imposed on Northland Properties for failing to ensure the safety of workers during a renovation project at the Williams Lake hotel in December 2025.
During an 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 from a pre-construction report about the presence of asbestos in drywall compound and lead-based paint in the hotel, the risks were not effectively communicated to employees.
The inspection report indicates that due to these oversights, individuals accessing the renovation area were likely exposed to asbestos and other hazardous materials. The report also highlighted the potential for cross-contamination within the hotel premises.
Following the inspection, WorkSafeBC issued a stop-work order at the site, prompting the hotel operator to initiate asbestos abatement before resuming renovation work. The workplace regulator noted that Northland failed to demonstrate adequate diligence in ensuring asbestos safety and compliance with worker safety regulations.
The report emphasized the carcinogenic nature of asbestos and lead, indicating potential exposure of hotel workers and guests to asbestos fibers during the extensive renovation project. The report criticized the company for possessing a hazardous materials survey that identified asbestos but failing to take appropriate action, thereby exposing workers to a confirmed carcinogen.
WorkSafeBC’s penalty of over $620,000 against Northland Properties was based on numerous previous violations related to asbestos management at Sandman Hotel locations in various cities across British Columbia. The company had received multiple penalties, stop-work orders, and safety notices over the span of more than a decade, indicating a pattern of non-compliance and lack of proactive measures to prevent future violations.
Northland Properties, headquartered in Vancouver, operates numerous hospitality brands, including Sandman Hotels, Denny’s Canada, Grouse Mountain Resort, and Chop Steakhouse. The company’s CEO, Tom Gaglardi, also owns the NHL’s Dallas Stars.
In response to the report, a spokesperson for Northland stated that no guests were exposed to asbestos or hazardous materials and mentioned that the company had requested a review of the administrative penalty from WorkSafeBC. The spokesperson assured that the identified issues were promptly addressed to prioritize the health and safety of staff and guests.
