The burned out structure on York Road that used to house the Good Neighbours Thrift Store has been declared a “nuisance property” by North Cowichan council.
Council issued remediation orders for the owner to either clean up or demolish the structure due to its unsafe and hazardous condition at the council meeting on Sept. 17.
As well, the municipality declared two derelict and abandoned residences on York Road nuisances and also ordered the owner to either clean them up or demolish the buildings.
The Good Neighbours Thrift Store suffered massive damage in a fire in the early morning hours of Feb. 10, 2024, that gutted the building, and left the street-facing masonry wall charred and windowless, but intact.
Other than the windows being covered with wooden panels, hardly any work has been done to deal with the damage since then.
North Cowichan staff have been in ongoing discussions with the property owner since the fire regarding the condition of the remaining structure.
Earlier this year, the municipality requested that the owner remove the temporary fencing around the building in order to restore use of the sidewalk, but that has not occurred.
Bill Corson, North Cowichan’s acting chief administrative officer, told council that in the 18 months since the fire, the municipality’s bylaw department has received complaints about the unsightly appearance and unsafe condition of the building.
Staff recommended that North Cowichan require that the property owner take steps to clean up and remediate the front of the structure, and to provide the municipality with a certified structural engineering report stating the front part of the building is structurally sound and does not pose a hazard within 90 days.
Coun. Bruce Findlay asked Corson if there is insurance on the building and what the owner's plans are for the property.
Corson said staff are not 100 per cent clear on the issue of insurance on the building, but have been asking the property owner repeatedly to provide the municipality with a structural report from an engineer.
“For us that’s really key because we want to reopen the sidewalk, but we can’t do that until we know that wall is stable,” Corson said.
“But he’s been reluctant to provide us with a report from an engineer. He said he’s had friends who are masons look at it and they say it’s OK, but we really need an engineer to look at this to make sure that, from our perspective, we can open the sidewalk.”
The houses at 5861 and 5865 York Rd. were issued a remediation order to have the buildings demolished on Aug. 20, but a representative of the property owner requested that council reconsider the order due to extenuating circumstances.
However, council upheld the order at the meeting on Sept. 17.
Earlier this month, the house at 5865 York Rd. sustained extensive fire damage, and both houses have been boarded up to discourage ongoing problems with squatters.
The remedial action order requires the property owner to apply for a demolition permit within 60 days, and that the structures be demolished within 90 days of the permits’ issuance.
“These buildings are more than eyesores, they’re a safety hazard and a blight on the neighbourhood,” said Mayor Rob Douglas.
“These remediation orders send a clear message we’re taking action to support nearby residents and businesses. Demolishing the abandoned houses and cleaning up the former thrift store site are key steps toward making the area safer and more welcoming for everyone.”
Coun. Christopher Justice said the neighbourhood context is really important in this issue.
He said there’s strong evidence that old buildings with signs of dereliction, such as graffiti and broken windows, and abandoned lots are associated with an increase in crime and street disorder.
“There’s a lot of thought that suggests that signs of neglect can contribute to crime, so cleaning up these things is a good way of preventing further crime,” Justice said.
“I think it’s really important that we get on these things.”
