Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County has opted out of becoming the owner of a property in Faust that was unsold at a public auction.
At its regular meeting Nov. 13, council approved a recommendation that Big Lakes not take title of the property and take no further action.
“The property is an old school in Faust and is believed to potentially contain hazardous material,” Joe Zdeb, director of corporate services, told council.
The property was listed at public auction Sept. 10 since property taxes have not been paid for many years.
No bids for the property were received and remains unsold, Zdeb said.
Faust Councillor Robert Nygaard said the building is dangerous.
“It’s a hazard for the community.”
“It’s the owner’s responsibility.”
After much discussion about whether Big Lakes had any option to deal with the issue, North Gilwood – Triangle Councillor Jim Zabolotniuk believed it is best the County not take ownership of the property.
“We don’t even want to touch this building,” Zabolotniuk said.
While no bids for the property were received, council does not automatically take over ownership.
“There is no obligation for the County to take ownership,” Zdeb said.
“The property would remain in the current owner’s name and the County would not have any control over the property.”
Taxes and penalties would continue to grow.
“The county can, at any time, change its mind and take tax forfeiture title if the taxes still have not been paid, or after 15 years, the County could take clear title and don’t have to pay the previous owner,” Zdeb added.
He noted the recommendation has one advantage.
“The County would not have any potential liability for remediation costs and would not assume any additional costs,” Zdeb told council.
If council wanted to get an estimate to remediate the building, it would cost about $85,000, he said.
Constructed around 1971, the school building contains possible mould, Ben Letemplier, director of public works, told council.
“We should not own it,” Letemplier said.
He estimated it would cost about $250,000 to demolish the building.