Thrill seekers won't be able to tour the Tunnel of Terror on Cornett Drive this Halloween.
Victory Shewchuk said officials instructed her to tear down the backyard structure, at 44 Cornett Dr., by Oct. 27 after the city received a complaint that it was an "unsafe structure and unsightly."
It was going to be the fifth year that the Tunnel of Terror would have entertained and spooked crowds with animatronics, lights, scary actors and music. Shewchuk said until now there was never been a problem or complaint.
"I try to be a good neighbour," said Shewchuk about the tunnel that was going to be open to the public Oct. 25, 26 and 31 until 9 p.m.
"We're not trying to go out of way to break any laws or rules or bylaws, which is why we are complying with the city right now. We're trying to do the best that we can."
City staff inspected the tunnel on Oct. 23, and the Inspections and Licensing department determined the structure did not meet the criteria of a temporary building and failed to comply with Alberta building safety code requirements.
Shewchuk was seeking clarification from the city in order to comply.
For now, residents are encouraged to drop by the Cornett address on Oct. 26 and 31 to check out the front yard that will be filled with decorations to delight and add some fright to the season.
"It's unfortunate, but we're going to truck forward and still celebrate Halloween."
She said the tunnel has always been free to visit and she has never asked for donations except to request donations of candy this year to help prepare for the many young trick or treaters.
"That's one of the most expensive parts of Tunnel of Terror. We get hundreds of people on Halloween night especially."
Shewchuk said with more people living with tight budgets, it was even more important to keep the tunnel available to everyone.
But the city ultimately deemed the tunnel unsafe.
Stephanie Gramlich, permits and compliance supervisor with the city, said there were safety concerns regarding the fire resistance rating for the tarps used to cover the aluminum frame of the tunnel. The aluminum frame also didn't meet the building code when it came to size, anchoring, location, and snow and wind loads.
"We are willing to work with the property owner to make things compliant in the future. But with the permitting process it doesn't allow time for this Halloween," Gramlich said.
"We do appreciate what the property owner was trying to do to create that community event for the neighbourhood and the city. We don't want to put a damper on things, but we want to make sure people are safe. That's our primary concern."
