Burned Penticton boarding house has got to go: city staff

Complete demolition is what Penticton city staff recommend for the burned husk at 597 Ellis St.

Only a concrete foundation remains at the corner of White Avenue and Ellis Street after a fire destroyed a boarding house there in 2011. City staff will be giving a recommendation at tonight's council meeting that notice should be served to property owner Denis Hildebrand.

Building manager Ken Kunka said staff have spent hours dealing with the property since its destruction, by responding to complaints, carrying out inspections and trying to work with the property owner. The site has become a dumping ground for wind-blown trash and if water is allowed to collect it could provide a mosquito-breeding area.

Kunka said the owner has shown "resistance" when asked about his plans. The owner has acted only when requested by the bylaw enforcement office or the fire department.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Quesnel at squesnel@infotelnews.ca, call 250-488-3065 or tweet @shannonquesnel1