The owner of an unfinished home on Princeton Avenue in Peachland has promised district council that he will get building again soon.
Will Reimer told council at its Jan. 14 meeting that he plans to resume construction in the 鈥渘ext month or so.鈥� The property at 4976 Princeton Avenue has sat unfinished for years despite a building permit being issued in 2016.
Reimer noted a difficult financial recovery from the COVID pandemic and the loss of three of his four siblings as some of the reasons for the delay in finishing construction. He said that he longer needs the home and has put it up for sale.
鈥淚t certainly wasn鈥檛 by choice to take this long,鈥� Reimer added. 鈥淚 hoped it was going to be finished in the first three years, but unfortunately economics did allow that and it鈥檚 taken a while to recover.鈥�
Staff said the project does not meet current building codes and poses fire safety concerns, given its location in a wildfire-prone area. 鈥淚 actually made sure all the trees (around the structure) have been taken down,鈥� Reimer said. 鈥淚 did that when I first got the building permit.鈥�
Reimer stated that he is living in the 鈥渙ld part of the house鈥� during the renovation. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all compliant,鈥� he added.
Council voted to place a notice on title on the property, with Councillor Alena Glasman opposed. It would inform potential buyers of the building鈥檚 non-compliance with bylaws.
Reimer promised to obtain and new building permit and bring the structure up to current building codes.
