qathet Regional District’s (qRD) committee of the whole is recommending that a partially constructed garage that encroaches onto regional district property at 3164 Bradford Road be removed.
At the December 9 committee meeting, directors considered the recommendation, and that all costs associated with the removal of the structure be paid for by Aubrey and Betty Rogers, whose property is located at 3247 Byron Road, where the garage structure is being built. The regional board will make the final decision on the recommendation.
At the November 10 committee of the whole meeting, the Rogers appeared as a delegation before the qRD committee of the whole expressing a desire to work with the regional district to reach a solution.
At the December 9 meeting, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said at the previous committee of the whole meeting, directors had heard from the Rogers and it sounded as though it was a minor portion of the structure that had crossed the property line.
“Thanks to the diligent work of our staff, the structure’s foundation appears to be more than 11 feet over the line,” said Gisborne. “I had hoped there could be a workable solution, however, after reviewing the report from staff, it seems as though even if the board had the will to find a way to leave the structure, I would expect the administrative costs would far exceed the cost of pouring a new foundation in a different location on the Rogers’s property. I don’t see how the structure can stay in its location, based on the information provided.”
City director George Doubt said he didn’t think the regional district could do anything other than what was being recommended, which was removal of the garage.
Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said it was an unfortunate situation and he feels empathy for the Rogers.
“They made an honest mistake,” said Fall. “It’s not a great outcome for them but I also agree with the comments that director Gisborne made. It’s not a small area.”
