The City of Enderby has backed off demands that a derelict property be demolished.
Council has eased off a May 6 decision for the owners of the former Little City Fashions building on Cliff Avenue to remove the fire-damaged structure in 30 days.
“All we have ever done is want to talk to them and we are and that’s great,” said Mayor Howie Cyr.
The city states that previous attempts to contact the property owners were unsuccessful and as a result, a remedial action order was issued May 6.
However, one of the owners, Paul van Dokkumburg, subsequently got a hold of city staff.
Van Dokkumburg informed the city that there is a court case between the owners and the insurance company.
“Up until now, we have not been permitted to do anything as the case is before the courts,” said van Dokkumburg.
It’s anticipated the owners may have some direction from the courts after July 2.
City council has decided to extend the compliance order to 30 days after July 2. The owners also have until July 17 to present a remediation strategy.
“Now they have to come up with a plan and they have to work with us,” said Cyr.
Fire gutted the building Jan. 28, 2011 and there have been numerous complaints to city hall about the condition of the property.
