Demolition order issued for pair of ‘hazard’ houses in Port Coquitlam

It’s the eve of demolition on Mary Hill Road.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Port Coquitlam unanimously backed an order to have two vacant houses at 2419 and 2431 Mary Hill Road demolished within 30 days.

“This is unacceptable,” said Mayor Brad West. “The property owner needs to understand that and understand their obligations, particularly when they’re looking to move forward with development.”

The two vacant buildings have been the subject of 11 calls to the city’s bylaw department since March 2021. Those calls included complaints of people squatting on the property, animal noise, unlicensed dogs, as well as garbage, solid waste and dumping on site.

The buildings were dubbed a “nuisance and a hazard,” according to a city staff report, which stated the houses: “create unsafe conditions and are a danger to public health and safety.”

City staff work hard to keep a property from getting to this point, West said.

“In fact, staff maybe give them more time than council would be comfortable with.”

In this case, the penalty is appropriate. “And I hope we do it more often,” West added, noting that the degradation of a single property can affect the whole neighbourhood.

The owner, who has begun removing asbestos from one of the houses, has 30 days to demolish the buildings and: “restore the property to a safe and orderly condition,” according to council’s edict.

If the owner fails to meet that deadline, city staff can finish the work at the owner’s expense.

The demolition order is “long overdue,” said Coun. Glenn Pollock.

“I walk by there a lot with my dogs . . . it’s just a disaster area,” Pollock said.

Following demolition, there could be new development on the property, according to city staff.

In December 2022, council approved a 38-unit, six-storey condo building over four parcels, including the two properties set for demolition.

The project included a new pathway along Mary Hill and Kelly as well as some roadwork and new lighting.