City council in North Battleford made a decision at Tuesday’s council meeting to uphold the demolition order on a dilapidated property at 1102 - 106th St.
The decision came after council had heard from the owner of the property, Zia Waraich, at council two weeks earlier. The city had issued the demolition order against the property last August and had previously turned down an appeal by Waraich, but council was ordered to re-hear the appeal according to a ruling of the Court of Queen’s Bench.
In his presentation, Waraich asked for additional time to repair the property and pledged to put up a security bond or a commitment in writing. But council peppered Waraich with questions about the state of the property, and cited concern about police being called to the property 14 times in 2019 and 2020.
Tuesday, council members voted unanimously to uphold the demolition order. In rejecting Waraich’s appeal, councillors made a point of saying they had heard Waraich’s latest presentation with an open mind.
But the councillors made clear they were not persuaded by what Waraich had to say.
Councillor Len Taylor said during that presentation the owner “failed to provide us information ‑ credible information.” He pointed to no specific timetable, and didn’t relate to the issues such as “a failing garage, a failing foundation, a failing roof.”
Taylor also said the owner failed to address “any of the activity or actions that have taken place on that property over the last six to eight years.”
“He failed to convince me we should allow him more time,” said Taylor.
Councillor Greg Lightfoot said he had expected a presentation from Waraich that “had a lot of meat and potatoes to it,” but “he was done his presentation in two minutes.”
That was not a presentation you make to council, Lightfoot said, for a property in derelict condition. He also pointed to “very little construction detail” being brought to council.
“His presentation was very short and very lacking in details,” said Councillor Kelli Hawtin. His work plan, she said, failed to address many of the issues the city’s inspector had pointed out — roofing, electrical and siding.
“There’s not a clear and concise plan to remediate the property, nor is there a clear and concise plan to manage the property going forward.”
Mayor David Gillan also cited the lack of details in Waraich’s presentation. “All the dialogue was created by ourselves,” he said.
Other councillors agreed with the sentiments expressed. Councillor Thomas “Bill” Ironstand noted the numerous letters from residents in support of demolition. “It is an unsafe building in the neighborhood,” said Ironstand. “People need to feel safe in our community.”
