233067
231186

Kelowna  

Demolition ordered to stop

The District of Lake Country has issued a stop-work order for construction at Teddy Bear Lodge on Pelmewash Parkway.

The order was issued Friday morning to prevent owners from demolishing the lodge itself.

Director of community development Mark Koch confirmed the order was issued.

"A stop-work order has been put in place, recognizing that there may be some intent to demolish some structures on the property. Obviously, the building code requires demolition permits to be put in place before that happens to ensure public safety issues are taken care of," said Koch.

"The municipality would certainly want to see the appropriate demolition permits taken out prior to any work occurring contrary to municipal bylaws or the BC Building Code."

Even with the stop-work order, residents who contacted Castanet are afraid the new owners will go ahead with the demolition over the weekend.

They say large construction bins have already been placed on the site.

According to residents, the Teddy Bear Lodge got new owners more than a month ago, who issued one-month eviction notices to about 20 people living on the property.

Some live in the five-unit motel, others in the lodge itself and others live in mobile homes.

Residents say three people lived in the lodge, but only one remains, a senior woman on welfare. They say the owners have cut off power to the lodge, leaving her without power, heat or running water.

They also claim the owners have illegally tried to evict people in mobile homes, who they say require one-year to leave.

Residents say the owners apparently want to demolish the lodge and replace it with a larger mobile home park.

The municipality says fines could be levied against the owners if they go ahead with demolition without proper permits.



More Kelowna News