The City of North Battleford has taken over a number of notable properties in the city through tax enforcement.
Among the properties taken are two that were owned by the Jesus is Alive organization, which were destroyed by a major fire in March 2012 and demolished by the City soon after that.
The City sent a bill to the Jesus is Alive owners for the demolition and cleanup. Now, however, they are being forced to take the property over due to the unpaid taxes.
Total arrears are $96,135.50 for the fire loss at 861-104th St. and another $32,472.38 for the vacant corner at 831- 104th St.
The City has also taken over title for three other notable properties: one is the building at 1112 -101st St, which was formerly the location of the long-closed LongHorn Steakhouse; 901 - 104th St., which was the former location of Curves; and 792 -107th St., which was the former SGI building.
All properties were in considerable arrears in amounts ranging from $23,873.14 to $92,036.94. There were amounts owed to the school boards as well.
What to do with the buildings now was the discussion at the city's municipal services meeting Monday. City Director Of Planning and Development Tim LaFreniere recommended the buildings be offered for sale by tender, in accordance with the Tax Enforcement Act, and that sales be subject to the condition that offers for purchase be accompanied by suitable proposals for renovation, repair and reuse.
The exception to this is the old Curves building. LaFreniere said council could consider using the building for municipal purposes, given its proximity to the fire hall. Some follow-up conversations on that property were due to happen the next day, he added.
The motion to recommend the listed properties (except for Curves) be offered for sale by tender passed unanimously, and that recommendation now goes to the full council for approval next week.
