A Saanich homeowner who appealed an order to clean up her property for the second time in less than five years has been granted extra time to do it.
Following complaints, council in September required Carol Haines to remove or store material that had accumulated on her property on Burnside Road West, including appliances, furniture, household fixtures, Styrofoam, tarpaulins, hoses, wood, metal, plastic, equipment, signs, containers and vehicle parts.
Haines, who bought the property in 2003, now has 60 days to clean her property or Saanich bylaw officers will do it for her, at her expense. A district staff report says the property is in violation of several bylaws, including those governing unsightly premises, noxious weeds, garbage and unlicensed vehicles.
Haines told council Monday she has limited income to pay for a cleanup, adding the last time it was done she felt the work went too far. Saanich hired a contractor to clean up the property in 2020 after a similar order. Haines asked that bylaw officers and district staff clearing the site wear body cameras.
“As things stand, I will have neither protection nor accountability once the contractor and the bylaw officer arrive and undertake the remedial action as presently ordered,” she said.
Council was not swayed by her appeal, but did agree to provide an extension at the request of Coun. Nathalie Chambers.
“Seniors can feel really intimidated around bylaw officers. I myself have felt that way,” said Chambers. “It’s only 60 days.”
Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff said he was willing to give Haines more time. “Giving them additional time doesn’t have any negative impact on our ability to clean up the property, but it does allow them the time to arrange other observers’ support.”
Coun. Susan Brice said she was reluctant to grant the extension after hearing Haines try to justify some of the material that had accumulated.
Coun. Karen Harper said she agreed to support the extension because of the sheer volume of material. “If one is inclined to actually engage in cleanup, which we will find out whether that is the case or not, I think it will take at least 60 days if the homeowner themselves is going to be engaged in this process,” she said.
Bylaw staff noted they will be keeping an eye on the property and will correspond with Haines as the 60-day deadline approaches to suggest removing items of sentimental or monetary value. If Saanich does the work, the owner will be billed. If that bill is not paid, the amount will be added to the tax bill for the property.
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