City Council has unanimously passed a motion to pursue action to remove the tarp and wood structures on a private lot on Warden Street in West Quesnel.
The city is required to give the property owner 30 days to remedy the situation. Should the actions not be undertaken within that time frame, the city can carry out work to remedy the nuisance and charge costs associated with doing so back to the property owner.
According to the city staff report read out at the July 17 council meeting, Bylaw Enforcement staff notified the property owner Byron Antonovich that the structure is not permitted on residential zoned property, and that use was to cease immediately. Antonovich told the city he had provided permission for two people to stay at the site. He told the city he is willing to have the individuals leave, as they are not renting from him; however, the tarp structure has remained, and the city staff report states that bylaw staff doubt the owners pledge to clean up the site.
The structure, dubbed “tarp city,” has been on the property since late June. Bylaw Enforcement staff began receiving complaints about the structure and disturbances in the area on June 25.
Complaints have been made of up to 10 people on the site at a time, and director of development services Tanya Turner noted as she read her staff report to council members that larger groups have now been reported at the site at various times of the day.
The RCMP has responded to complaints at the site, and Turner says they have reported the structure is dangerous for officers to enter, as it has a maze-like entrance. RCMP has reported signs of drug use and drug paraphernalia, a large open fire pit area inside the tarp, and the smell of human waste. There are no toilet facilities or running water on the site.
In discussion at Tuesday’s council meeting, Councillor Scott Elliott said the situation was untenable.
“I understand everyone has their own rights, but what about the rights of the residents? For us not to be able to do this within 30 days… every time the RCMP has to go check it out, the owner should get a bill,” he said.
Mayor Bob Simpson explained that it takes administrative work to be able to take action on private property.
“This is the process that is available to us, and I fully endorse the recommendation from staff,” he said.
He also explained that if the owner, Antonovich, decides to state that the individuals living in the tarp structure are trespassing, the city will be able to expedite their removal.
The structure is located between two single-family homes, with an apartment complex behind it.
Disturbance claims made to Bylaw Enforcement staff include fires being lit outside and inside the tarp structure; noise; excessive pedestrian traffic trespassing through neighbouring properties; extension cords providing power being run from an apartment nearby; and human waste found on trails bordering the property.
Antonovich now has 30 days to comply with the Community Charter.
RELATED: Council to address Warden Street “tarp city”
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