Stairs on pavement contravening by-laws
Some of the stairs are built on top of the water pipes.
There has been uproar in the Bellavista community as well as from Ward 55 councillor Rashieda Landis regarding stairs built on the pavement at 1 Gantner Road.
Building development management has confirmed that a contravention notice has been issued to the owner of the building who plans to hire it out for the use of a church that accommodates 200 people, shops and a school.
The building is subdivided into six sections, each with stairs that are extended to the pavement where people are supposed to walk.
When the COURIER visited the site with Landis on June 21, workers were still building.
Sydney Shai, who is the assistant director of Region F building regulations, said the matter has been referred to the unit that deals with legal matters that need to be referred to a private attorney to obtain a court order.
“The follow-up site inspection was conducted on June 21 and construction has stopped,” he said.
Landis said she has been constantly following up on this matter since early June. He said the owner defies every effort she tried.
“The owner of this building, who is a foreigner, is ignoring every effort to stop him from building these stairs. Building inspectors have issued him with a notice and a citation, however, he continues to build these stairs. We have done everything in our power.
“I would like to see the owner arrested and buildings demolished. It’s not that I don’t do anything. I’m constantly following up. It is now a legal ammeter,” said Landis.
The COURIER could not get hold of the owner of the property for comment.
