Court-appointed administrator takes over Saskatoon condo tower after board ceases 'any meaningful existence'
A Court of Queen’s Bench judge has appointed an administrator to take over the management of a problem-plagued condo building that has been closed since the beginning of May.
Clayton B. Barry has been appointed the administrator for the Prairie Heights Condominium Corporation (PHCC) for an initial term of 180 days, according to a written decision from Justice R.W. Elson.
In his decision, the judge said the PHCC board has “ceased any meaningful existence.”
Since the Saskatoon Fire Department shut down the tower on May 6, following numerous attempts to correct fire safety issues at the 44-unit highrise on 20th Street West.
Elson said court has received no information as to when, or under what circumstances the SFD will allow the condo building to open.
Elson said in his decision the appointment of an administrator “is the only circumstance that would provide any reasonable prospect of bringing order to the affairs of PHCC.”
In his role as administrator, Barry can start collecting condominium fees and will report to the court from time to time with the progress of getting the condo affairs in order.
On May 6, Saskatoon Fire Department said it was left with no other option than to close the entire building at 1416 20th St. W.
Assistant Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer said the fire department could not get ahead on making the necessary repairs on the highrise due to constant vandalism, squatting, drug trade, risky and unhealthy behaviours.
“We cannot allow people to live in this building until significant changes are made,” Raymer said.
Of the 44 units at Prairie Heights, 30 vacant units were boarded up by the fire department. Of the remaining 14 units, three were owner-occupied, the rest were renter-occupied.
Sergii Bogdanoff, one of the few owners remaining at the condo told CTV News when he refused to leave his unit, he was escorted out of the building by police. Unable to find housing and refusing to stay at a shelter, Bogdanoff resorted to sleeping in his car.
"It’s not an easy life ... I have a car but some people don’t have anything,” Bogdanoff told CTV News in late May.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.