Jack Barr is completely correct in describing the Inn at Westview as a quagmire [“Inn at Westview agent appears before committee,” February 21]. But what he failed to mention is his role in creating the quagmire.
It is the responsibility of all owners, commercial and residential, to maintain their properties in a manner that meets city bylaws and community standards. He has allowed the building to become a rat infested health and safety threat, and a general eyesore.
The complete neglect of the building for years has made its demolition very expensive. Barr seems to think that because of his continued neglect of the property that residents of Powell River either need to pay to remediate the site or live with this blighted building. This is wrong.
I strongly disagree with his contention that the dialogue has not be respectful. At least from the community’s side it has been patient and respectful. City of Powell River has asked for years that he address the problem. He has been unresponsive and less than clear on his personal stake in the business and continues to claim he is only an agent. Ownership cannot be easily verified since it is a private corporation with a single director.
Barr is wrong that there is no business case for the remediation of the property. First, he benefited from the deferred cost of maintenance over years of neglect. The fact he failed to create a reserve for the demolition is his business problem, not our problem. Second, and most importantly, he still has substantial business interests in Powell River.
While the city can only place a lien on the former Inn at Westview property and not his other holdings, the rest of us can boycott his businesses. If a boycott does not create a sufficient business case for him to remediate the property, maybe a boycott of tenant businesses on his properties will be sufficient. This later step would be unfortunate since these businesses operate in a responsible manner and are excellent additions to our community.
I am hopeful Mr. Barr will finally step up and do what is right, but he must not be allowed to continue inflicting this eyesore on our city. The only real choice for us is to vote with our wallets.
Terry Noreault
Tweedsmuir Avenue
