City of Powell River officials have initiated action to expropriate property needed to complete the seawalk extension.
The city posted notice of the expropriation in front of a home at 4351 Marine Avenue, which is located on the water side of the highway just north of the former barge terminal site.
Mayor Dave Formosa said council has deliberated the issue and agreed to expropriate the property in front of the house, if need be, to accommodate the seawalk. “We are in negotiations with the Murray family,” he said. “I’m hopeful that expropriation will not be necessary and that we can come to a conclusion that satisfies both parties, the public’s interest and their interests.”
The property is owned by Mid-Coast Holdings Ltd. Mark Murray is the president of the company. The Peak could not reach Murray for comment before deadline.
The city is seeking a statutory right of way agreement.
Currently, the city is in the process of extending the seawalk from the new section of the south harbour to the Wharf at Westview. Agius Builders Ltd. is building boardwalks on two sections of the extension. The rest of the seawalk is being built with rip-rap and gravel.
Funds for the $205,235 project came from Powell River Community Forest Ltd.
