FSJ Eyesore to Meet Wrecking Ball

Fort St. John's most notable downtown eyesore, formally known as the Fort Hotel, was declared a nuisance property at city council last night and preparations will be made to have the building demolished.

The building was bought in 2005 after significant discussions between the City Manager and the building's owner about how the site would be renovated and developed.  In 2006, building permits were issued for the renovations.  In July of last year, with only 60% of exterior improvements completed, the city received notice from the developers indicating they were stopping their involvement in the renovations because non-payment by the Fort Hotel owners.

Since then the property has become a health and safety hazard, and a site for vagrants, graffiti, and criminal activity.  Over the past winter, pipes burst inside the building resulting in significant flooding.  The Fort St. John Fire Chief has pointed out several safety concerns that would prevent him from sending in fire fighters should there be a fire.

Without a constructive plan from the owner to move forward with the site, the city is now asking for a demolition plan from the owner, within the next thirty days.

Tammy Banfield, CJDC TV News, Fort St. John