Restoration Project Update January 2, 2023
This update provides some basic information on an unauthorized occupant in the building.
On August 22 we hired a temporary/casual laborer for the project as an employee.
In early September the construction manager asked us, the owner, if this person could stay in the back apartment of this building. This was considered an informal arrangement while this individual was working a 3 week on, 1 week off shift. The construction manager did not advise us that the apartment water and bathroom had been previously demolished.
The construction manager ended up resigning this position in September. Efforts were made to keep the temporary laborer working but it was very difficult without a construction manager. Additionally, it was unknown if we would hire a general contractor that would then hire his own people or if we would carry on with the same route as previously. As a result the decision was made to lay off the temporary worker on October 25 and ask them to vacate the property.
This individual refused to vacate the property. On legal advice that this could be considered a tenancy, we issued a “One Month Notice to Leave on Termination” which was for November 30. The individual still refused to leave on November 30.
In attempting to conduct a legal inspection on December 9, BRVCA representatives were met by an aggressive dog tied up inside the apartment as well as another person occupying to ensure the lawful inspection could not be carried out. RCMP ended up talking to this person and the dogs were secured and the inspection occurred. That inspection documented some very very concerning biohazards and unhealthy situation.
The BRVCA applied to the Residential Tenancy Branch for an expedited emergency hearing based on the biohazards inside and outside (human/animal). On December 19 the adjudicator granted the BRVCA a legal order of possession for Dec. 31 . Faced with a forced eviction by a court appointed bailiff, this individual finally left.
This unauthorized occupant did not pay rent, did not pay for electricity or heat, did not pay for internet. The occupant did not regularly use the one operating washroom in the building and created biohazard in the apartment. The 4 dogs, which were kept inside except for brief periods on a lead outside, also caused biohazard concerns outside due to the small area they had to defecate and urinate. At one point, the individual was using a washer and dryer in an unsafe manner (washer draining into a bathtub and dryer not connected to a vent).
In addition to the very challenging occupancy concerns, other non-occupancy issues were ongoing. Here are a few of the issues we ran into, we have left out quite a number due to privacy of other people.
- Theft (on camera) of building plans
- Tampering with security camera system and theft of system parts in a locked room
- Threats and intimidation of volunteers and contractors including verbal, written, online and use of the dogs as guard dogs
If you are in possession of the stolen building plans or pictures of same please contact us to arrange their return.
Attempts were made by the RCMP to manage this activity while the illegal occupancy played itself out. Reports were also made to the SPCA regarding the animal’s living situation.
The Bridge River Valley Community Association and its Board ended up suffering significant financial impacts as well as the emotional turmoil this creates. A monetary order request to the Residential Tenancy Branch will be submitted once all the bills are in.
For the community, please note this property and building are private property and a construction zone. We request for your safety you stay off the property unless you are working there. The property has been protected by security cameras since we purchased the building, and this will continue. Once the Museum has moved in there will be public hours published for the Museum and the laundry room.
Thank you goes to volunteers, Pat Dahle, Debbie Demare and Michelle Nortje, the BRVCA executive, for the incredible amount of time and effort they put in to bringing this situation to an end. We are beyond happy to be able to move forward and complete this project, get the Museum moved in and get the community using the rest of the building.
