A Port Coquitlam property owner has 10 days to clean up his lot or face a hefty bill from the city.
This week, city council placed a remedial order on the owner of 2438 Kelly Ave., a downtown parcel that recently sold despite its dilapidated condition.
The previous owner was served in February with a 30-day remedial order.
Dan Scoones, PoCo's manager of bylaw services, told council that because remedial orders are issued to people — not properties — another order had to be executed.
Coun. Glenn Pollock said neighbours have been complaining about the yard for months.
On Nov. 30, 2015, the single-family home on the lot was destroyed by fire and the owner tried to remove the debris over the next few weeks; however, because the materials were deemed hazardous, WorkSafeBC placed a stop-work order on the site.
Pollock also said the property isn't fully secured and, as a result, people are gaining access into the asbestos-filled area.
Mayor Greg Moore said should the new owner fail to meet the 10-day order, the municipality will clean up the yard, of which the debris will have to be shipped to Alberta. The owner will be invoiced for the work and, if not paid, will be added to his next property tax bill. "It's cheaper if they do it than if we do it," Moore said.
Under Section 74 of the provincial Community Charter, city councils are permitted to declare buildings, structures or things to be a nuisance and order the owner to bring it up to standards.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
