Time is almost up for the run-down Port Hotel in Port Alberni.
City council voted this week to send the Richmond-based numbered company that owns the 5170 Argyle St. building a notice requiring it to apply for a demolition permit.
If taken out, such a permit would give the owner another 30 days to take down the building and remove all debris.
The owner was given 14 days to appeal the city’s decision.
If nothing is done within these time limits, the city has the authority to demolish the boarded-up building.
An extensive list of defects presented to council includes exposed wires, rats, leaking ceilings, garbage and black mould.
The building is violating city bylaws, staff told council.
“Voluntary compliance, letters, orders, tickets, site inspections and a January remedial action requirement have not resulted in compliance,” a staff report said.
Port Alberni council has determined that the building is a nuisance, unsafe and that it contravenes the B.C. Building Code and the city’s building standards bylaw.
It is considered to be in a hazardous condition under the meaning described in the Community Charter. Testing found asbestos in the building, council heard.
Fears for the safety of its 25 or so residents prompted city fire officials to order it be evacuated in late May. Council members expressed concern about people losing their homes, but the city has worked with local social agencies to try to find former tenants a place to live.
The city spent about $200,000 to hire security for around-the-clock checks to ensure the building did not catch fire.
Port Alberni recently approached B.C. Housing with an unsuccessful proposal for the provincial agency to buy the hotel and fix it up.
The cost to remediate the property, not including dealing with hazardous waste, has been estimated at close to $1 million, council was told.
The hotel is assessed at slightly more than $1 million, including its land valued at $200,803.
Council received a report stating that demolition would cost $187,000 with a 15 per cent contingency moving the budget to $215,000.
If the owner does not take action, the city can demolish the building and put the property up for tax sale.
