CORNER BROOK — Even though the city could have a burned out McWhirter’s Lane home demolished, Paul Barnable said it’s possible the owner could come up with a solution to the issue.
Barnable, the city’s director of community services, was referring to the home at 6 McWhirter’s Lane that has been the focus of attention since over 200 cats were removed from it in late May.
The home was extensively damaged by fire in August. Barnable said it was the fire that started the process the city is now involved in in dealing with the problem property.
He said the owner has been in contact with the city and is sensitive to what is going on and has indicated he is trying to come up with a way to comply with an order issued on Nov. 8 to remediate or demolish the home.
The order, confirmed by city council during its regular meeting Monday night, follows an earlier directive asking the home owner to do the same. That expired on Nov. 3.
Barnable said city staff conducted a visual inspection of the property on Nov. 5
“Which confirmed that nothing had been done with regards to demolition or remediation of the property as was requested or asked for in the directive,” Barnable said.
This prompted the city to issue the order which gives the home owner until Dec. 21 to comply.
If he doesn’t it says the city may carry out demolition of the dwelling and recover the cost as a civil debt as allowable under the Occupancy and Maintenance Regulations.
“While the Act says that, in all likelihood what we would do is go to court and have the judge basically give the city authorization to carry it through,” said Barnable.
In the meantime, if the home owner comes up with a satisfactory plan, Barnable said the time period to comply with the order could be extended.
The order states the home owner has 14 days from receipt to appeal it, Barnable said that time period will actually be 30 days.
He said that is because of an overlap in the legislation the city is dealing with on the issue.
If the city takes the issue to court, Barnable said the time frame for resolution depends on the court system.
