(Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Safety issue

City upholds demolition order for property in sub-standard condition

May 27, 2021 | 2:06 PM

A long-standing dilapidated former rental property in North Battleford will finally be coming down.

City council voted unanimously in favour of upholding the demolition order in place at this week’s meeting, after the property owner appealed the issue earlier this month.

Located at 1102-106 Street, the house and garage are in significant disrepair and pose a safety hazard, according to the building inspector’s report.

“City council received numerous letters supporting the demolition order. It is an unsafe building in the neighbourhood and people need to feel safe in our community,” Coun. Bill Ironstand said. “I believe if we follow through with this step that it is a step for that neighbourhood.”

Mayor David Gillan read aloud the long list of repairs required for the building that haven’t been addressed.

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The owner previously sent a letter to the city in September 2020 indicating the property would be repaired and asked for a demolition order to be cancelled at that time. A second appeal was made in February 2021.

Zia Waraich of Zia Homes Ltd., the property owner, made another appeal to council when he spoke at the May 10 meeting requesting the order be rescinded.

Council was concerned the property owner did not have a plan or timeline to make the repairs and bring the property up to standard.

Coun. Len Taylor said the property owner did not offer any indication the repairs will be made, including addressing the failing garage, foundation and roof. He was also concerned the property would not be properly maintained and managed, even if the repairs were made.

“He failed to convince me we should allow him more time…,” Taylor said.

Taylor said when the property owner was asked if the company would rebuild after the site was demolished, he replied that would be an option available to us.

“If that is an option, I see no reason why it shouldn’t be the first option,” Taylor said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow