A Corner Brook man charged with repeatedly disobeying a stop-work order in September wants to argue his case at trial.
John Staples entered not guilty pleas to all eight charges filed against him by the City of Corner Brook when his matters were called at provincial court Tuesday morning.
Staples had begun building a home on Water Street in the Curling area of Corner Brook.
Related stories:
Briefs from Corner Brook City Council
The City of Corner Brook issued an order for him to stop working on the building Sept. 10. According to information filed by the city with the court, Staples violated that stop-work order, issued under the Urban Renewal Planning Act, eight times between Sept. 11 and Sept. 21.
As reported by The Western Star on Sept. 18, after the issue had been discussed at a public city council meeting, the situation stems from concerns the shale rock pad on which the home is being constructed constitutes a safety concern.
According to the municipality, the pad is not made from the material initially approved by the city for the permit granted to build the house.
A foundation and basement walls have been constructed at the site, which has been dormant since September.
After Staples entered the not guilty pleas, a one-day trial was set for April 23.
Lori Lee Sharpe, the City of Corner Brook’s solicitor, indicated to the court that it would be best to wait until that date for the trial because Staples has filed an appeal of the issuance of the stop-work order with the West Newfoundland Regional Appeal Board.
Sharpe said the outcome of that appeal could affect the trial.
