The property at 9 Grant Dr., within the Vivian Lee Park, was recently torn down at the city’s request.
Finance director, Rob Philpott, said the city planned to pay the company that did the work and invoice the property owner, Garden Province Realtors Ltd., for the cost.
But Blake Craig, with Garden Province Realtors Ltd., said his company already paid the demolition costs and additional costs to clear out the abandoned mini home.
“We’re looking after it all. The city is not involved in any of the costs,” said Craig.
The state of the more than 40-year abandoned mobile home had been discussed at previous council meeting, with it passing a resolution authorizing the city’s building inspector to carry work related to securing the home, including demolishing it.
The consensus, at that time, was that the city would not pick up the cost.
The home has sat vacant for some time, with its owner, a client of the Department of Health and Wellness’ adult protection program, now residing in a local villa.
A caseworker had gone to the home in the summer and refused to enter. An environmental health officer, along with the city’s building officer, later went to inspect the home, finding it unlocked and, too, refused to enter due to its state.
A ‘dangerous and hazardous building’ notice was placed on the property and its water and electricity disconnected.
“We have never dealt with this before. It is new,” said Craig. “I guess, at the end of the day, it would appear that the landowner is responsible for the costs.”
He said the cost to demolish the home was about $5,700.
“It is pretty close to $12,000 we are out of pocket so far,” said Craig. “We had to clear the home out of the contents, rent a dumpster and all that kind of stuff.”
He added that the lot is now cleared and ready for a new home.